New medevac helicopter for Malta
The Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) inaugurated its new AW139 helicopter on 20 December.
The Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) inaugurated its new AW139 helicopter on 20 December. The aircraft has been equipped for medevac use. The Malta Independent has reported that the chopper was purchased for €13 million ($13.5 million), and was part-funded by the European Union (EU). The aircraft is the third of its kind owned by the AFM.
Reportedly, the AFM has invested over €60 million into updating its air fleet in the last four years. A ceremony to launch the helicopter was overseen by Home Affairs minister Carmelo Abela, parliamentary secretary for EU funds Ian Borg and AFM commander Jeffrey Curmi. Abela said that the new addition meant the AFM had ‘entered a new era’. He added that a similar project would be announced soon.