Malta expands maritime patrol capability with new King Air 360ER

The Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) is set to expand its maritime patrol capability with the acquisition of a new Beechcraft King Air 360ER, which will support surveillance, border control, law enforcement, and search and rescue (SAR) missions in the central Mediterranean.

Textron Aviation announced the delivery of the factory-new extended-range turboprop to Aerodata AG in Braunschweig, Germany, where it will undergo mission-system integration before being delivered to Malta in 2027. The aircraft will join the AFM’s existing fleet of Beechcraft King Air maritime patrol aircraft, which has been operated for more than a decade.

The King Air 360ER is designed for long-range and mission-focused operations, featuring increased fuel capacity and payload capability compared with the standard King Air 360. Powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-60A engines and equipped with Pro Line Fusion avionics, the aircraft is used globally for government, military, and commercial special missions.

Aerodata will configure the aircraft for Malta’s operational requirements, including maritime surveillance and SAR roles. The acquisition continues cooperation between Textron Aviation and the AFM as Malta strengthens its aerial capability for missions across the Mediterranean region.