Armed Forces of Malta

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The Armed Forces of Malta is the name given to the combined armed services of Malta. The AFM is a brigade sized organisation consisting of a headquarters and three separate battalions.

Organisation

Structure of the Armed Forces of Malta

Headquarters, AFM

HQ AFM is the main command centre for the Armed Forces of Malta, and is divided into four main areas.

  • Operations & Training Branch
  • Administration & Personnel Branch
  • Logistics Branch
  • European Union Security Defence Policy Branch
  • Public Information Cell
  • Intelligence Cell
  • Legal Office
  • Audit & inspectorate Branch

1st Regiment, AFM

1st Regiment is Malta's infantry unit, and has primary responsibility for the territorial defence of the country. It is divided into three rifle companies, a support company and a headquarters company.

  • A Company - is an airport security rifle company, and is based at Malta International Airport.
  • B Company - is an internal security rifle company, tasked with guarding high-profile/sensitive government establishments, and is based at Hal-Far.
  • C (Special Duties) Company - is the AFM's Quick Reaction Force, for high-risk operations both internally and as part of the European Union. It also serves as an infantry training unit for the AFM and is based at Hal-Far.
  • Air Defence & Support Company - provides Malta's primary air defence capability, armed with the Bofors 40mm L70 and ZPU-4 14.5mm AAMG as well as 81mm mortars, Type 69 RPG's and Browning .50 HMGs for ground support.
  • HQ Company - exercises command and control over the other sub-units.
  • Battle Honour
    • Egypt 1882

Air Wing, AFM

has responsibility for the security of Maltese airspace, maritime patrol, Search and Rescue, and provision of military assistance to other Government departments. The current air assets include:


Maritime Squadron

the maritime squadron has a wide range of duties, including coast guard, customs, marine police, fisheries protection and search and rescue. Current maritime assets:

  • 1 "Modified" Diciotti Class Offshore-Patrol Vessel (P 61)
  • 2 Protector Class Coastal Patrol Boats (P 51, P 52)
  • 2 Bremse Class Inshore Patrol Boats (P 32, P 33)
  • 2 Swift Class Inshore Patrol Boats (P 23, P 24)
  • 2 Melita (Vittoria) Class Search & Rescue Launches (Melita I, Melita II)
  • 1 Fast-Interceptor Craft (P 01)

The Rapid Deployment Team is the unit tasked to perform M.L.E. (Maritime Law Enforcement) operations and counterterrorism interventions at sea. Its members operate the Fast-Interceptor Craft P 01.

3rd Regiment, AFM

3 Regiment is the AFM's main support unit, and consists of three operational sections.

  • Engineer Squadron - this provides the engineering support.
  • Ammunition and Explosives Company - this has responsibility for all of the AFM's ammunition needs, and also includes an Explosive Ordnance Disposal section.
  • Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Squadron - this provides engineering support for vehicles and equipment.

4th Regiment, AFM

Established with the AFM review of Oct 30th, 2006, it includes:

  • The AFM Band
  • Revenue Security Corps
  • HQ Company
  • C3I Company

Emergency Volunteer Reserve Force

In addition to the regular forces, there is also the Emergency Volunteer Reserve Force, which consists of part-time volunteers to support the regulars at C (SD) Company, 1 Regiment AFM.

Brief history

The AFM was formed upon Malta becoming a republic in 1974, when 1 Regiment Royal Malta Artillery was renamed as 1 Regiment, AFM. This initially continued the artillery role, with 2 Regiment formed as an engineers unit. In 1980, 1 Regiment became a mixed unit, with infantry, aircraft and maritime responsibilities, the artillery element being transferred to 2 Regiment. In 1992, there was a major re-organisation, which led to the formation of 3 Regiment and the current structure.

The AFM wears a single cap badge, based on that of the Royal Malta Artillery, which consists of a gun, similar to that worn by the Royal Artillery but without the crown, on top of a Maltese Cross, with the motto "Tutela Bellicæ Virtutis" underneath.

King's Own Malta Regiment

The King's Own Malta Regiment was a territorial infantry regiment on the British Army colonial list prior to Malta's independence. It was formed in 1801 as the "Regiment of Maltese Militia", existing only until the following year. It was reformed as the "Maltese Militia" by Sir Adrian Dingli in 1852 before disbanding again in 1857. It was raised again, this time as the "Royal Malta Regiment of Militia" in 1889; this regiment was considered to be the successor to the "Maltese Chasseurs" of the early 19th century. The regiment was renamed the "King's Own Royal Malta Regiment of Militia" in 1903, and was disbanded in 1921. The regiment was raised for a fourth time in 1931 as the "King's Own Malta Regiment". Initially on the British Establishment, in 1951 it was transferred to the Malta Territorial Force before becoming part of the Malta Land Force on Malta's independence in 1970. The regiment was disbanded in 1972.

  • 1st Battalion, KOMR [1897-1921, 1931-1946, 1952-1972]
  • 2nd Battalion, KOMR [1897-1921, 1940-1946, 1952-1972]
  • 3rd Battalion, KOMR [1940-1945]
  • 10th Battalion, KOMR [Territorial] [1942-1943]
  • Battle Honours
    • 1800 [awarded for services of the Maltese Chasseurs]
    • Second World War: Malta 1940-42

Statistics

Military manpower - availability:
males age 15-49: 99,107 (2002 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service:
males age 15-49: 78,909 (2002 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure: $60 million (2000 est.)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 1.7% (2000)

Equipment

External links

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