Malta AF Bases

Current Air Bases:
All aircraft and helicopters are currently based at Luqa International Airport.

All-Time Air Bases Used List:
The Helicopter Flight was initially based at St Patrick’s Barracks but later moved to Luqa. The British established a number of airfields around the country, some of which may still be in use.
Military Air Bases Listing

Malta AF Organisation

Main Headquarters:
St Patrick’s Barracks, Luqa.

Current Organisational Structure:
Malta has no defence ministry so the AFM Air Squadron reports directly to the Prime Minister. The AFM is divided into 3 numbered Regiments, of which the second has the Air Squadron attached to it. The 2nd Regiment comprises Air Defence Artillery, Aviation and Maritime units. The Air Squadron currently comprises a helicopter flight and a fixed-wing flight.

Current Order of Battle:
Air Squadron

Historical Orders of Battle:
Not applicable.

All-Time Flying Units List:
Not applicable

Malta AF Aircraft

Aircraft Designation System(s):
None – Manufacturers designations used.

Current Aircraft Inventory:
Table of Current Service Aircraft

All-Time Aircraft Used List:
Alphabetical Order — Chronological Order

Aircraft NOT Used:
No false reports of aircraft on order or in service have been noted.

National Markings

National Insignia:
Current — Historical

Aircraft Serial Numbering System(s):
1972-2000
All Maltese military aircraft were initially allocated civilian registrations on the Maltese civil aircraft register. For example, the single Agusta-Bell AB.206A was registered 9H-AAJ.

2000-Present
In May 2000, a new military serialling system was introduced. This comprised a four-digit serial number prefixed by the letters ‘AS’ for Air Squadron. The first two digits indicate the year of introduction into service and the second two being the overall sequence number. Thus Bulldog AS0020 was acquired in the year 2000 and was the 20th aircraft to be operated by Malta.

Unit/Base Aircraft Code System(s):
Coding system not used

Malta AF History

Narrative Summary:
The defence of Malta was undertaken by Britain until its final withdrawal in March 1979. In the meantime, three Maltese Territorial Units were handed over to local control in April 1965 as the Malta Land Forces. Direct British military aid ended in October 1970. In 1970 plans to form a helicopter flight were formulated. West Germany offered to donate four Army helicopters in 1970, and in October of that year Maltese personnel were sent to Fassberg in Germany for training. The helicopters were delivered in May 1972, forming the initial equipment of the Malta Land Forces Helicopter Flight.

With the acquisition of some naval patrol boats, the Malta Land Forces were renamed the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) in April 1973. The AFM was initially divided into two numbered Regiments, with the Helicopter Flight being attached to the First Regiment. Between 1973 and 1980 the Helicopter Flight received considerable technical and training assistance from Libya. On 1st April 1980, all units of the 1st Regiment, including the Helicopter Flight, became a component of a tactical unit within the AFM known as the Task Force, (the Task Force also included naval vessels and coastal artillery).

In 1981 an Italian Military Mission arrived to take over the role of training and providing technical advice. On 11 May 1988 the Task Force units were absorbed back into the AFM. In February 1992 the first fixed-wing aircraft were received – Cessna O-1Es. These aircraft were initially flown by Italian pilots while Maltese personnel were trained in Italy. On 22 July 1992, the Helicopter Flight was renamed the Air Squadron and re-assigned to the 2nd (Composite) Regiment of the AFM.

Current Status:
Malta does not have conscription, and consequently, the Air Squadron is manned by professionals. The main tasks are coastal patrol, communications, search and rescue and medical evacuation flights.

Future Plans:
The Bell 47 helicopters need to be replaced in the near future.

Malta AF Key Facts

Malta Main Bases

Airports, Airfields and Air Bases:
Civil Airports and Airfields-
Luqa International Airport
Airports in Malta
Military Air Bases and Airfields-
Military Air Bases Listing

Scottish Aviation Bulldog

Scottish Aviation Bulldog T.1 * Current *
Four Bulldog T.1 obtained from the Royal Air Force and delivered in February 2000. A fifth RAF Bulldog T.1 was acquired in 2001. Used for training and patrol duties.

References:

• World Air Power Journal No.9
• European Air Forces Directory 2001/02 (Mach III)
• European Air Forces Directory 2005/06 (Mach III)
• Air Pictorial April 2002

Polish Air Force in 1939

“The Polish air force was wiped out in the first two days of World War Two.” – The air force had secretly deployed to reserve airfields on 30th August 1939, and continued flying combat operations until the surrender.