Armed Forces Of Malta Launch Largest Patrol Boat In Their History With €53 Million Investment
The Armed Forces of Malta have launched P71, the largest patrol boat in its history which is equipped with all the latest technology and which can carry a crew of up to 60 mariners.
P71’s mission is to safeguard Malta’s national borders and conduct other sensitive operations. It comes with a large helipad, which can land the largest helicopters that the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) possess, and a hold which can accommodate up to six containers or vehicles.
This investment has been co-funded by the EU and was inaugurated by Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri.
“The AFM maritime squad serves an essential role for the security of an island surrounded by the sea and this boat will give us a further reach than we previously had,” he said.
AFM Brigadier Clinton O’Neill pointed out that the ship can stay abroad for longer periods, accommodating a larger crew and is equipped with state-of-the-art instruments of detection and communication.
This investment comes at a cost of €53 million. The government has a fund of €200 million in EU funds dedicated to further investment in the defence of the islands’ borders according to Economy Minister Silvio Schembri and Parliamentary secretary for EU funds Chris Bonnett
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