Air Wing of the Armed Forces of Malta
The Malta Air Force is the aerial warfare branch of the Maltese Armed Forces. Its origins can be traced back to 1973 when the Malta Land Force was established, including an air wing. In 1980, the Air Wing was granted independent status, officially becoming the Malta Air Force. The primary role of the Malta Air Force is to provide air support to ground-based operations, as well as conducting surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The force currently operates a small fleet of aircraft, including the Pilatus PC-7 and the Agusta-Bell AB-212 helicopters. The Malta Air Force has a limited budget and modest capabilities, with a focus on maintaining air sovereignty and responding to emergencies within Maltese airspace. Additionally, it collaborates with international partners for air surveillance and defense purposes. The Malta Air Force has participated in various training exercises and international peacekeeping missions, reflecting its commitment to regional cooperation and defense.
Key facts
| Official Name | Air Wing of the Armed Forces of Malta |
| Local Name | Forza tal-Ajru tar-Rumanija ta' Malta |
| Country | 🇲🇹 Malta |
| World rank | #137 |
| Active aircrafts | 10 (as of 2024) |
| Aircrafts on order | 0 |
| Roundel |
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Number of active aircrafts by type
| Aircraft type | Active | |
|---|---|---|
| Helicopters | 6 | |
| Special missions | 4 | |
Aircrafts most used by Maltese air forces
| Aircraft | Active | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AW139 | 3 | Italian multi-purpose helicopter, highly significant in SAR, EMS, offshore transportation, law enforcement roles, since its introduction in 2003. | |
| King Air 90 | 3 | American twin-turboprop aircraft, prominently deployed for utility, corporate, and military purposes from the 1960s onward. | |
| SA316 Alouette III | 3 | French utility helicopter, popular in the Cold War-era, extensively utilized for search and rescue, and light transport roles. | |
| BN-2B Defender | 1 | British light-utility aircraft, notably deployed for surveillance, logistical operations, and transport duties in various global regions. | |
Full inventory in 2024
Armed Forces of Malta - Air Wing
| Aircraft Type | Model | Active | Ordered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helicopters | AW139 | ||
| SA316 | |||
| Special missions | King Air 200 (MPA) | ||
| BN-2 (MPA) |