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 regiments, with minimal air and naval forces. Since Malta is the guardian of the European Union's southernmost European border, the AFM has an active role in border control.
History In April 1800, while the blockade of Valletta was underway, Thomas Graham raised the first official Maltese Troops in the British Army, which became known as the Maltese Light Infantry. This battalion was disbanded in 1802 and succeeded by the Maltese Provincial Battalions, the Malta Coast Artillery and the Maltese Veterans. In 1815, Lieutenant Colonel Count Francis Rivarola was entrusted with the task of raising the Royal Malta Fencible Regiment following the disbandment of the Provincials, Veterans and Coast Artillery. The Royal Malta Fencible Regiment was converted to an artillery regiment in 1861 and became known as the Royal Malta Fencible Artillery. Twenty-eight years later, the direct predecessors of the modern Armed Forces of Malta came into existence following the formation of the Royal Malta Artillery on 23 March 1889.
The King's Own Malta Regiment was a territorial infantry regiment on the British Army colonial list. It was formed in 1801 as the "Regiment of Maltese Militia" and existed only until the following year. It was reformed as the "Maltese Militia" by Sir Adrian Dingli in 1852 before being disbanded 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, in 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 1964. The regiment was disbanded in 1972.
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 engineering 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.
KOMR Battle Honours 1800 (awarded for services of the Maltese Chasseurs) 1882 (Egypt) Second World War: Malta 1940–1942
Current Modernisation Based on recent budget announcements and military updates for 2025–2026, the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) is undergoing a significant modernisation phase focused on infrastructure, aerial capabilities, and personnel recruitment. Key upgrades include:
Aerial and Maritime Fleet Expansion: By 2028, the AFM is set to acquire a new helicopter and a new fixed-wing aircraft. Additionally, a contract was announced in late 2025 for a fourth Beechcraft B200GT Super King Air for maritime patrol and a fourth AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter.
Infrastructure Improvements: A major Air Wing Infrastructure Project is nearing inauguration, marking a key milestone in national air defence capability. Ongoing investments are enhancing the basing facilities. Special Operations and Equipment: A new Special Operations Unit (SOU) has been established to consolidate special warfare tasks, with ongoing upgrades to individual weaponry and the disposal of older equipment. The bomb disposal unit is receiving new high-tech robots. Personnel and Training: Recruitment: Intake 261 in January 2026 welcomed 88 new recruits to bolster troop numbers. Training: New pilots have recently completed 2.5-year training courses, and specialized training (such as advanced climbing) is being conducted with foreign partners, including Italy. Compensation: A new sectoral agreement was signed in 2025 to improve pay and conditions for AFM members.
These upgrades are part of a broader "national security investment" exceeding €10 million aimed at enhancing maritime and aerial surveillance capabilities to match evolving regional challenges.
Organisation Headquarters, AFM
HQ AFM is the Force Headquarters located at Luqa Barracks, Luqa. It is a joint Headquarters that operates at the military strategic as well as the operational and tactical levels.
HQ AFM is composed of the following branches:
Human Resources Management Branch International Affairs Branch Operations, Plans and Intelligence Branch Integrated Logistics Branch Capabilities and Training Branch Financial Management Branch Property Management & Development 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.
Headquarters Company – provides combat service support to the other manoeuvre subunits of the unit. The orbat consists of a Company Headquarters (CHQ), Motor Transport section, Pioneer section, Regimental Police section, Signals section, Armoury section and Quartermaster Section. A Company – is responsible for airport security in the controlled access role by providing security guards at terminal access points/airfield perimeter gates leading to restricted areas and by conducting patrols in these said areas. They also enforce access passes and visitor movement control assisted with CCTV surveillance and is based at Malta International Airport. B Company – is responsible for security duties in various locations. It carries out land patrols and conducts vehicle checkpoints for traffic contraventions, illegal immigrants' identification and apprehension, and anti-narcotics' searches. It liaises very closely with the police in relation to many of their activities. In addition, it is an internal security company, tasked with guarding high-profile/sensitive government establishments, and is based at Ħal Far. C 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 Ħal Far. D Company - a new company was noted on a video released by AFM, not much is known about their purpose but their motto "NUNTRUM COMPARAT ET CUSTODIT" means "Providing and Protecting Information" so it could be recon-oriented company. They seem to be well equipped similar to C Company and can be seen using drones and snipers. More needs to be learned about this new company. All the AFM ceremonial activities that involve the firing of the saluting guns are performed by this sub-unit. This sub-unit is also responsible for the administration and training of the Emergency Volunteer Reserve Force. Battle Honours Anglo-Egyptian War Operation Atalanta EUTM Somalia
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 – is responsible for the storage and control of all types of ammunition held by the AFM as well as for the storage and control of blasting material used by civilian contractors for quarry blasting, etc. It includes the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) section which is responsible for the detection and disposal of bombs and other explosive devices. It is also responsible for the inspection of mail at major post offices, inspection of baggage and aircraft at the airport and security checks at the house of Representative Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Squadron – is responsible for the repair and maintenance of all AFM vehicles, generators, plant and other service equipment.
4th Regiment, AFM Established with the AFM review of 30 October 2006, it includes: HQ Company Armed Forces of Malta Ceremonial Drill Team – Since its re-establishment on 1 August 2014, the AFM Ceremonial Drill Team has performed synchronized drill displays in different events in events connected with the AFM. The team is platoon sized and is composed of 21 soldiers from different units within the AFM. The AFM Band – Established in 1970, the AFM Band takes part in official engagements, performing at ceremonial parades, band displays and other band programmes in Malta and Gozo. Besides their duties as bandsmen, the personnel also perform all military duties. Revenue Security Corps – assists Government in the prevention of smuggling, the protection of revenue and, when necessary, the investigation of contraventions relating to fiscal and monetary laws. The RSC is also responsible for the security and cash escort duties of commercial banks. C2S Company – responsible for the entire communication of the Armed Forces of Malta. Operates the operation center for S&R, internal & external communications, landlines, & IT services. Training School – Training and Development. Initial training (BMT & Cadetship) and career development (JNCOs & SNCOs).
Air Wing of the Armed Forces of Malta
The Air Wing of the Armed Forces of Malta is the aerial component of the current Maltese military. The Air Wing has responsibility for the security of Maltese airspace, conducts maritime patrol and search and rescue duties, and provides military assistance to other government departments of Malta. The Air Wing is based at Malta International Airport.
Maritime Squadron
The Maritime Squadron of the Armed Forces of Malta is the naval component of the current Maltese military. The Maritime Squadron has responsibility for the security of Maltese territorial waters, maritime surveillance and law enforcement, as well as search and rescue. It is based at Hay Wharf (Xatt it-Tiben) in Floriana. It currently operates 10 patrol vessels and 6 other boats.
Volunteer Reserve Force In addition to the regular forces, there is also the Volunteer Reserve Force, which consists of part-time volunteers to support the regulars.
Italian Military Mission Malta
The presence of the Italian Military Mission (IMM) in Malta has taken form in the shape of technical assistance spread over three periods of time; firstly, between 1973 and 1979, then between 1981 and July 1988, and lastly from July 1988 to 7 November 2016, when its last helicopter left Malta.
IMM personnel resources in Malta totalled 12 officers and 35 NCOs from the three service branches of the Italian Armed Forces. It was also equipped with two AB 212 helicopters, 15 heavy plant vehicles, 60 light all-purpose utility vehicles, radio telecommunications, and weapons.
Personnel
The Armed Forces of Malta mainly consist of professional soldiers. There are also a small number of reserve soldiers. Malta does not employ conscription. Volunteers, who want to enlist, need to be citizens of Malta, and between 18–30 years old. In 2017, there were roughly 1,950 active personnel and 180 reservists.
Operations Since Malta's entry in the European Union, the AFM has become more engaged in peacekeeping missions. The AFM has participated in 7 overseas operations.
UNIFIL, 2007, 2018–2026 (Lebanon)
EUMM Georgia, since 2008 (Georgia) EUNAVFOR Atalanta, since 2008 (Gulf of Aden) EUBAM Rafah, since 2009 (Gaza–Egypt border) EUTM Somalia, since 2010 (Somalia) EUFOR Libya, 2011 (Libya) EUNAVFOR Med, since 2015 (Mediterranean Sea) Frontex Joint Operation (JO) NAUTILUS, 2006 (Mediterranean Sea) Frontex Joint Operation (JO) POSEIDON, since 2007 (Greece) Frontex Joint Operation (JO), 2013 (Bulgaria) Frontex Situation Centre, 2018 (Poland)
Maritime Control Operation and Maritime Safety Training with Turkish Armed Forces, July 2020
Equipment