- Yes
- No
Introduction: In this post, I would like to propose the addition of the roundels, emblems and insignia of the various branches of the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) (Maltese: Il-Forzi Armati ta’ Malta).
Background: The core Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) was formed from the various Maltese regiments which were part of the British Army. Upon independence in 1964, Malta did not possess its own military, nor did it attempt to absorb Anglo-Maltese units, as the fledgling country leased out land to the British forces in Malta, which provided defence for the islands, as well as giving the UK a base of operations in the central Mediterranean. However, the Malta Land Forces were set up in 1965 to provide some territorial defence for Malta. This remained unchanged until 1970, when the British began withdrawing from East of Suez, Malta began losing its significance in British defence matters, and it was therefore necessary for the Maltese to pick up some slack. Between 1970 and 1971, the Royal Malta Artillery and the remainder of the King’s Own Malta Regiment were amalgamated into the MLF, eventually being renamed to the AFM in 1973, to reflect the wider array of tasks they now had to undertake. In 1980, the Task Force was created, which was an independent part of the AFM which was under direct command of the Prime Minister. In 1988, the AFM went through a reorganisation, when it was split into three regiments, with the Task Force being merged back into the AFM.
Air Wing History: In 1971, nine members of the AFM and Police Force were sent to Germany to train on the Bell 47G, where they were trained at Fassberg. They would arrive back in Malta after a few months of training on Monday 29th May, 1972, thus beginning the existence of the Helicopter Flight. Four helicopters were donated by the Germans, three Italian built and one American built. It was decided to base them out of St. Patrick’s Barracks in Pembroke, not far from where the Royal Marines had their Bell 47s. The main roles of the Helicopter Flight were search-and-rescue (SAR), maritime patrol and aiding the Land Forces and Police; the first rescue taking place in 1974. During bad weather, the helicopters would be used to transport mail between Malta and Gozo using stretchers donated alongside the helicopters; these were never used to ferry patients between the islands. There were also experiments with crop dusting, though this was never done operationally. The Bell 47G was well liked by its crews, as it was a reliable, easy to handle helicopter. However, the lack of fuel at the Flight’s base meant that it would need to fly helicopters to fuel up at Luqa, which consumed time and additional fuel. A new type was needed and this came in the form of a Bell 206 Jet Ranger donated by the Libyans. They would have a presence on the island, operating Super Frelons and Alouettes from the islands, to support the Helicopter Flight. Relations however, turned quite sour, after a dispute between the governments of Malta and Libya, and the latter was forced to leave the island with great haste, leaving behind three Alouettes. These would remain in storage for over a decade, as the Libyans had taken their logbooks, and there was no feasible way of bringing them back to service. In the meantime, the Italians ramped up their presence, creating a joint flight under the MIATM banner (Missione Italiana Assistenza Tecnico Militare di Malta - The Italian Military Technical Assistance Mission in Malta), where the Italians would base Agusta-Bell 205 and eventually 212 helicopters with joint Maltese and Italian crews. This provided a major leap in capability, helping the Maltese gain operational experience, as well as increasing the SAR radius around the islands. Eventually, relations with Libya were mended, and in 1991, the Alouette IIIs were sent for an overhaul, entering service soon after, augmenting and eventually replacing the Bell 47s and 206, and thus becoming the mainstay of the Maltese Armed Forces. 1991 was a big year in general, as it also saw the introduction of the Nardi-Hughes NH-396MC and the Cessna L-19E Bird Dog, which prompted the renaming of the Helicopter Flight to Air Squadron, and eventually, Air Wing. These were complemented by a number of Britten-Norman Islanders, and were eventually replaced in 2000 by Scottish Aviation Bulldogs. Beechcraft King Airs would soon follow, and in 2013, the AFM received its biggest upgrade in over a decade: the AW139. This allowed the Italians to withdraw their AB212s, marking the end of flight operations of the MIATM after around 30 years. In 2021, the AFM would receive an IAI Heron UAV, as part of Malta’s role in support of FRONTEX, and as part of being an integral part of the EU.
Roundels and Insignia:
Spoiler
Emblem:
Roundel:
Fin Flash:
Task Force:
Helicopter Flight Marking:
Tiger Art:
Maltese Falcon noseart:
Camouflages:
Spoiler
Skins for: Scottish Aviation Bulldog, Cessna L-19E Bird Dog, Aerospatiale Alouette III, Nardi-Hughes NH-369, IAI Heron
Conclusion: I would love to have these implemented as it would give some representation to Malta as well as give some now roundels and insignia to player to help customise their vehicles.
Sources:
Spoiler
“The Air Wing of the Armed Forces of Malta” by Colonel Mark Said and Major Anthony Zammit
National Markings Armed Forces of Malta – Aeroflight
Armed Forces of Malta - Wikipedia
https://afm.gov.mt/en/info/Pages/AFM-Colours.aspx
https://www.regimentalreplicas.com/product/armed-forces-of-malta-framed-emblazons/
Armed Forces – Vassallo History
AS2132 | IAI Heron Shoval | Malta - Armed Forces | MILSPOT | JetPhotos
Author’s Personal Image Collection