Wings Over The Mediterranean

With its proximity to both Northern Africa and the Middle East along with being a frontier into Europe the Mediterranean islands of Malta has huge strategic importance. With this in mind it’s crucial that Malta has an air arm, its neutrality means that the Armed Forces of Malta Air Wing does not operate combat/strike aircraft instead the lean but effective Air Wing specializes in Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance and Search and Rescue. From their Air Base located at Luqa-Malta International Airport the Air Wing currently operate four fixed wing aircraft, three helicopters and a single Remotely Piloted Air System.

September 21, 1964 saw the Mediterranean islands of Malta gain independence from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland however due to an agreement that NATO forces could still operate from Malta for a further decade a decision was made by the government at the time that there was no need for an air arm. A change in Government saw the introduction of four ex West German Army Agusta-Bell 47G-2’s in July 1972. Along with the airframes themselves the West German Army also provided training for both pilots and engineers. The Armed Forces of Malta Helicopter Flight as it was officially named was initially based at St. Patricks and briefly Hal Far. Once 13 Squadron, Royal Air Force had departed Park 7 at Luqa-Malta International Airport in 1979 Armed Forces of Malta Helicopter Flight moved in and have called it home ever since. 

1973 saw the beginning of a strong relationship between Malta and the Maghreb country of Libya the first aircraft donated came in the form of a single Agusta-Bell 206A JetRanger used for surveillance of the Maltese waters in order to combat smuggling, illegal fishing, and even pollution control. Two years later the Libyan Air Force brought an even bigger contribution to Malta’s aviation in the form of the Libyan Military Mission In Malta with a contingent of two Aerospatiale SA.321M Super Frelon’s a huge upgrade to Malta’s Search and Rescue capability from the Agusta-Bell 47G-2’s. The Libyan helicopters were flown by a Libyan crew but were supplemented by Maltese rear crew members. After an incident involving an Italian oil rig drilling on behalf of the Maltese government 68 nautical miles off the southeast coast of Malta was threatened by a Libyan gunboat in 1980, all members of the Libyan Military Mission in Malta were expelled. The Libyan Air Force left behind a trio of Aerospatiale SA.316B Alouette III’s but without the all-important aircraft logbooks and associated paperwork, these aircraft could not be utilized by the Armed Forces of Malta Air Wing, so instead they were put into storage. Whilst relationships with Libya may not have gone to plan, strong ties with their European neighbour Italy were building which would see the Bell 47’s and the Jetranger being sent to Italy for maintenance, these were Agusta-Bell built machines after all. The Italian Military Mission in Malta was set up in 1982 bringing with it a pair of Agusta-Bell 204B’s. Flown by a mixed Armed Forces of Malta and Italian Air Force crew. The Agusta-Bell 204B’s provided SAR cover to the island nation up until 1987 when Agusta-Bell 212AM’s replaced the Agusta-Bell 204B’s.

Being a small island nation the use of rotary wing assets on Malta were ideal, it wasn’t until 1992 that the Armed Forces of Malta Air Wing Procured its first fixed wing aircraft, but it wasn’t without numerous attempts over the preceding years, 1976 saw the West German military offer three Dornier 27, a Piaggio P.166 DL3 was also demonstrated in 1981, whilst the summer of 1985 saw a number of demonstrations in the form of two Britten-Norman BN-2T Islander’s, a Partenavia P.68OB Observer, a Lake LA-4-250 Renegade, the next year a Dornier 228-202K also visited for demonstration flights, 1987 saw visits from Britten-Norman BN-2T Islander again, Germany also offered two ex-East German Air Force Let L.410 Turbolets and Dornier 28’s whilst local aviation maintenance company MedAvia even proposed CASA 212’s none of these came to fruition with the Armed Forces of Malta Air Wing opting for the US built Cessna L-19E Bird Dog instead, five examples were procured from the Italian Army’s Surplus stock in 1991. Soon after delivery in February 1992 the Cessna L-19E Bird Dogs were put into service conducting coastal patrols with the now increased aircrew pool hours building ready for the arrival for the eagerly anticipated Britten-Norman BN-2B-26 Islander.

The expansion of the rotary fleet was a high priority for the Maltese air arm in the early nineties, negotiations between the Armed Forces of Malta Air Wing and the Libyan Air Force saw the release of the all-important aircraft log books and associated paperwork in 1991 meaning after a decade in storage the trio of Aerospatiale SA.316B Alouette III’s  were able to be roaded to Eurocopter at  Marignane-Berre, France for overhaul as part of the overhaul contract training of two pilots and four engineers was also included. This was a massive step forward for the independent operating of the Armed Forces of Malta Air Wing for the first time in its existence the Armed Forces of Malta Air Wing was able to carry out Search and Rescue operations of their own allowing for far less reliance on the Agusta-Bell 204B’s of the Italian Military Mission in Malta June 1992 saw two Hughes-Breda-Nardi NH-369HM obtained from the Guardia di Finanza. With a crew of two a maximum speed of 132 Knots and a maximum take-off weight of 3,000 Lb’s and a range of 318 Nautical Miles it was a huge step up from the Agusta-Bell 47G-2’s for the first time as well conversion training took place in Malta by a Armed Forces of Malta Air Wing Qualified Helicopter Instructor (QHI) who had attended training provided by the Guardia di Finanza. The Alouette fleet increased to five airframes in 1996 with the acquisition of a pair of Sud Aviation SA.316A Alouette III’s from the Royal Netherlands Air Force

The 90’s also saw development in the fixed wing fleet for the Armed Forces of Malta Air Wing 1995 saw the delivery of the first Britten-Norman Islander for the Armed Forces of Malta Air Wing in the shape of a 1982 built BN-2B-26 previously operated by Malaysian Airline Berjaya Air, having been overhauled and mission equipped by Pilatus Britten-Norman Ltd at their Bembridge, Isle of White, UK base.  The Britten-Norman BN-2B-26 Islander is a rugged, twin-engine light utility aircraft renowned for its short take-off and landing (STOL) capabilities and dependable performance in remote and challenging environments. A variant of the long-running BN-2 Islander series, the BN-2B-26 is powered by two Lycoming O-540-E4C5 piston engines, each delivering 260 horsepower. Its straightforward design, constant-chord wings, and modular cabin layout make it ideal for commuter, cargo, and special mission roles. With over 1,300 Islanders built and a production legacy dating back to 1965, the BN-2B-26 continues to serve as a lifeline for isolated communities and niche operators worldwide.

The Armed Forces of Malta Air Wing was now of a considerable size of 18 airframes of seven different types ; 4x Agusta-Bell 47G-2, 1x Agusta-Bell 206A JetRanger, 5x Cessna L-19E Bird Dog, 3x Aerospatiale SA.316B Alouette III, 2x  Hughes-Breda-Nardi NH-369HM, 1xBritten-Norman BN-2B-26 Islander 2x Sud Aviation SA.316A Alouette III, with a further Britten-Norman BN-2T-26 Islander on order.  The leadership of the Air Wing  made the decision that the fleet needed to be reviewed and a process of rationalization took place with the 4x Agusta-Bell 47G-2, 1x Agusta-Bell 206A JetRanger, 5x Cessna L-19E Bird Dog all being removed from flying duties and put up for sale. 1x Agusta-Bell 47G-2 and 1x Cessna L-19E Bird Dog were donated to Malta Aviation Museum

AS9819, a Britten-Norman BN-2T-26 Islander. Delivered to the Armed Forces of Malta in May 2000, this rugged twin-engine utility aircraft embodied the Islander’s reputation for reliability, versatility, and endurance. Originally built in 1982 as construction number 2156, AS9819 began its life under British civilian registration as G-BKJG and later G-LIPP, serving with organizations including the Rhine Army Parachute Association. It was eventually acquired by Pilatus Britten-Norman Ltd before being transferred to Malta, where it was re-serialled under the local military system “98” denoting the year of acquisition and “19” marking its sequence in the fleet. Powered by twin Allison 250 turboprop engines, the BN-2T variant offered improved performance over its piston predecessors, making AS9819 well-suited for maritime patrol, surveillance, and transport missions across Malta’s strategic island territory. Its high-wing design, short take-off and landing capability, and robust airframe allowed it to operate from austere airstrips and coastal outposts with ease. AS9819 was overhauled at Bembridge between June 2006 and April 2007, using test registration G-51-2156 during its refurbishment. A further overhaul was conducted in 2022 at Britten-Norman’s facility at Lee-on-Solent Airfield, Hampshire. This overhaul should see the Britten-Norman BN-2T-26 Islander operate in Armed Forces of Malta Air Wing service for a number of years to come. 

The Scottish Aviation Bulldog T.1 is a robust, side-by-side two-seat trainer aircraft that served as a cornerstone of RAF pilot instruction from the mid-1970s through the early 2000s. Originally designed by Beagle Aircraft as the B.125 Bulldog, the type was adopted and produced by Scottish Aviation after Beagle ceased operations. With its responsive handling, aerobatic capability, and reliable Lycoming IO-360 engine delivering 200 horsepower, the Bulldog T.1 became the standard aircraft for University Air Squadrons and Air Experience Flights across the UK. A total of 130 units were built for the RAF, entering service in 1975 and later replaced by the Grob Tutor in 2001. The Armed Forces of Malta Air Wing’s first interaction with the Scottish Aviation Bulldog came in the early 90’s when a the fleet of ex Ghana Air Force Scottish Aviation Bulldog Srs.120 Model.122’s transited through Malta on their way back to the manufacturer in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, an offer for sale was offered to the Armed Forces of Malta Air Wing however this was rejected based on the Armed Forces of Malta Air Wing only just taking on the Cessna L-19E Bird Dog.  June 1996 saw Colonel Mark Said transit through London-Gatwick Airport after a period of flight training in the United States of America and with time to spare before his flight back to Malta, the latest copy of the RAF News caught his attention with an article on the disposal of the Scottish Aviation Bulldog T. The next day the article was sat on the desk of the Commander of the Armed Forces of Malta desk. Fast forward 10 months and Colonel Mark Said found himself at the Royal Air Force Central Flying School at RAF Cranwell Along with the Armed Forces of Malta Air Wing Chief Engineer Said inspected five airframes and flew two of them and soon identified that the Scottish Aviation Bulldog T.1 would be the perfect lead in trainer for the Britten-Norman BN-2B-26 Islander and Britten-Norman BN-2T-26 Islander. Four Scottish Aviation Bulldog T1’s were purchased from the Royal Air Force at a cost of £100,000. During its 13 years in service 11 Armed Forces of Malta Air Wing Pilots were checked out to fly the Scottish Aviation Bulldog T1 in a number of roles including Elementary Flight Training, Coastal Patrol and Refresher Instrument Training, one role that it was unable to take over from the Cessna L-19E Bird Dog that of target towing for the Air Defence Battery based at Pembroke with their Bofors L40/70 and ZPU-4 Towed Anti-Aircraft Gun System, this role would later be taken on by the Britten-Norman BN-2B-26 Islander, once the target towing pod had been modified to be accommodated on the Britten-Norman BN-2B-26 Islander. A firth Scottish Aviation Bulldog T.1 was procured from surplus stock at RAF Shawbury, Shropshire in 2001 initially with the intention of using the airframe as a source of spares however XX547 became AS0124 in July 2021 and continued to be used for flight training and costal patrols up until the retirement of the Scottish Aviation Bulldog T.1.

Operating for the Armed Forces of Malta Air Wing for just 11 weeks over the summer of 2009 was AS0925 a Casa 212-200CC funded by the Luxembourg government who leased the Spanish built aircraft from CAE Aviation as part of both nations’ commitment to Operation Nautilus. Joint Operation Nautilus was a coordinated maritime border security mission led by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, in the Central Mediterranean. Its primary aim was to bolster surveillance and support Malta in managing irregular migration flows. Over its first phase, 401 migrants were detected, with 166 rescued and 316 arriving in Malta many from Eritrea, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Nigeria. The mission also involved multinational interviewing teams and highlighted EU efforts to share responsibility for border control and humanitarian response. The CASA 212-200CC is a variant of the rugged, twin-turboprop CASA C-212 Aviocar, designed for short take-off and landing (STOL) operations. Built by Spain’s Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA (now part of Airbus Military), the 212-200CC model is tailored for coast guard and surveillance missions, often equipped with advanced sensors and maritime patrol systems. Its boxy fuselage, rear ramp, and reliable Garrett TPE331 engines make it ideal for utility roles in remote or tactical environments. The aircraft has seen service with various national agencies, including the Swedish Coast Guard, thanks to its versatility and operational endurance. It was in fact from Sweden that AS0925 was acquired from previously been used for anti-submarine warfare, The Armed Forces of Malta Air Wing Pilots along with Senor Operators and Observers were locally once the aircraft had arrived on the Island, although all missions were flown with the presence of a CAE Aviation Pilot being onboard. For the Engineers and ground support staff it was also a challenge being the largest aircraft ever operated by the Armed Forces of Malta Air Wing as well as being the first turbo prop aircraft. 

With the Armed Forces of Malta Air Wings increasing contribution to the  European Border and Coast Guard Agency a need to procure their own fixed wing Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance The Beechcraft B200 King Air is a twin-turboprop aircraft renowned for its versatility, reliability, and enduring legacy in both civilian and military aviation. Introduced in 1981 as an evolution of the Model 200, the B200 features upgraded Pratt & Whitney PT6A-41 engines, a distinctive T-tail, and enhanced avionics that support a wide range of missions from executive transport to aerial surveillance. Its increased wingspan and fuel capacity allow for extended range and improved performance over its predecessors, while its pressurized cabin and rugged airframe make it a favourite for operations in challenging environments. With thousands still in service globally, the B200 remains a cornerstone of the King Air family, embodying a design philosophy that blends technical excellence with operational flexibility. 75% of the cost of buying the three airframes came from the European Unions, European Borders Fund, and Internal Security Fund. As well as the aircraft a purpose-built hangar has also been constructed on Park 7 to house the fleet of three Beechcraft B200 King Air the first of which arrived in 2011 followed by the 2nd in 2012 followed by the upgraded Beech B200GT King Air in 2017. The Beech B200GT King Air is an upgraded version of the Beech B200, featuring more powerful PT6A-52 engines for improved climb and cruise performance, and modernized avionics. While both share the same airframe, the B200GT offers better fuel efficiency and payload capacity, making it more capable for demanding missions. Training saw Pilots attend Flight Safety International in Wichita, Kansas, United States of America to complete Beech B200 King Air flying including the use of their full motion simulators. Whilst operational and mission equipment training was conducted at Braunschweig, Germany by Aero Data. Crew compassion comprises of 1x Pilot-In-Command,1x Co-Pilot, 1x Air Operator, 2x Observers, who can fly day or night in both VMC & IMC conditions for up to four hours. between 2011 and 2012 AS1126 & AS1227 returned to Germany for a midlife mission systems upgrade, with 80% of the funding for the upgrade being funded by the Internal Security Fund (Specific Actions) 2014 – 2020 Sustainable Management of Internal Security by the European Union.

With the retirement of the last Hughes-Breda-Nardi NH-369HM in 2006 enormous pressure was put on the Aerospatiale SA.316B Alouette III fleet however they were of limited use to the modern day requirements of the Armed Forces of Malta, due to it only being single engine and able to carry just 5 passengers with a Maximum Take Off Weight of 2200KG’s. 2013 saw the announcement of the procurement of one with the further option for another two AgustaWestland AW139’s. 75% of the cost of buying the three airframes came from the European Unions, European Borders Fund, and Internal Security Fund. Crew composition for the Armed Forces of Malta Air Wing AgustaWestland AW139’s in their Search And Rescue role comprises of 2 Pilots, 1 Winch Operator, 1 Sensor Operator and 2 Rescue Swimmers. In its troop transport role, it can be fitted with a fast rope and can carry a maximum of 15 passengers with a Maximum Take Off Weight of 6800KG’s. In both roles the aircraft can fly both day and night in both VMC and IMC conditions. Once the Armed Forces of Malta Air Wing were deemed to have full operational readiness on the AgustaWestland AW139’s the Italian Military Mission in Malta after over 40 years of service was able to disband on the 22nd of February 2016. To keep the pair of Aerospatiale SA.316B Alouette III’s flying for as long as possible a pair of ex Royal Netherlands Air Force Aerospatiale SA.316B Alouette III we’re procured and arrived by sea freight in 2019 bringing the total fleet of the Armed Forces of Malta Aerospatiale SA.316 Alouette III’s to seven. 

Malta’s area of responsibility for Search And Rescue know as a Search and Rescue Region (SRR) is 250,000 square kilometres about the same size as the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. and stretches from the Italian Island of Sicily to the North to the coast of Libya to the South and from the coast of Greece to the East to the coast of Tunisia in the West. For such a small island with limited assets it is very commendable what they do, especially given that they are Europe’s southernmost border. Search and Rescue operations conducted by Malta are coordinated by the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) an enclave within the Armed Forces of Malta Operations Centre in Luqa Barracks. Supporting the Search and Rescue operations alongside The Armed Forces of Malta Air Wing AgustaWestland AW139 and Beech B200 King Air are The Diciotti Class Offshore Patrol Vessel P61 and the Protector Class Patrol Vessels, P51 and P52 of The Armed Forces of Malta Maritime Squadron. The Helicopter Rescue Swimmers Section is made up of highly trained airmen capable of carrying out rescues throughout the Search and Rescue Region aboard the AgustaWestland AW139, trained in advanced first aid along with rope rescue and working at heights skills, these individuals are some of the most physically fit members of the Armed Forces of Malta. 2024 saw the two Aerospatiale SA.316B Alouette III being withdrawn from use. On Sunday 28th July saw AS9211 experience an incident during takeoff preparations with damage sustained to the control surfaces at Luqa-Malta International Airport whilst AS9212 was damaged beyond repair during a forced off airfield landing at Qrendi. thankfully there were no fatalities of either incident. Malta were the last but one operator of the Aerospatiale SA.316 Alouette III within Europe with only the Romanian Air Force left operating the license built IRMA IAR-316 Alouette III.

A real force multiplier for not only the Armed Forces of Malta Air Wing but also for the European Union came in April 2021 with the introduction of a Remotely Piloted Air Systems in the shape of a IAI Heron. The Heron is not armed with weapons but has a state-of-the-art sensor suite allowing it to monitor targets for much longer than either the King Air or Islander would be able to. Operating on behalf of Frontex, Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, was established in 2004 to enhance cooperation among EU member states in managing the external borders of the Schengen Area. Its primary mission includes supporting border control operations, facilitating the return of irregular migrants, and ensuring the security of EU borders against illegal immigration and trafficking. Frontex also plays a crucial role in risk analysis and the development of a common security culture among member states. Over the years, its responsibilities have expanded, particularly in response to the increasing challenges related to migration and border security, leading to a more robust operational capacity and a greater focus on human rights and the protection of vulnerable individuals. The IAI Heron is an advanced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by Israel Aerospace Industries. Renowned for its versatility and operational capabilities, the Heron is designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, making it a valuable asset for military and civilian applications. It features a high endurance capability, enabling it to fly for long durations while carrying various payloads, including cameras, sensors, and electronic warfare equipment. The Heron can operate in diverse environments and is equipped with advanced avionics and communication systems, allowing for real-time data transmission and enhanced situational awareness. Its adaptability has made it a popular choice among various countries for border patrol, disaster management, and peacekeeping missions.

As Malta continues to navigate the complexities of regional security and humanitarian responsibility, the Air Wing of the Armed Forces of Malta stands as a testament to the nation’s resilience, adaptability, and quiet strength. Its legacy is not measured in size, but in the lives safeguarded and the sovereignty upheld.

Armed Forces of Malta Air Wing Fleet