Italian Detachment
Role: Long range SAR

An initial aid agreement was signed with Italy in April 1975, under which some Maltese helicopters were overhauled at Bergamo. With the withdrawal of the Libyan helicopter detachment in August 1980 Malta forged closer ties with Italy. A 40 man Military Mission arrived in 1981. In 1982 a helicopter detachment from 9a Brigata Aerea AMI was established on Malta, alongside the AFM Helicopter Flight at Luqa, to provide long range search and rescue capabilities. The helicopters are operated jointly, with Italian pilots and Maltese observers. The official title of the detachment is MITCM - Missione Italiana di Collaborazione Tecnica a Malta. The initial equipment of two AB.204s was later replaced by two AB.212s. The detachment is still in operation. (Despite some reports, the Italian helicopters have never been based at Hal Far).

Air Bases:

Base	Duration
Luqa Airport	1982 - Present

Aircraft Used:

Type	Qty	Service	Badge	Example Serials
Agusta-Bell AB.204B	2	1982 - Oct 1987
Agusta-Bell AB.212	2	Oct 1987 - Present

Unit Insignia:

Figure 1

References:

• World Air Power Journal No.9