Military & Security

Military - note

The Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) are tasked with ensuring external security while also handling certain domestic security duties; their main responsibilities encompass safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, overseeing and policing its territorial waters, engaging in international peacekeeping and stability missions, and offering search and rescue as well as explosive ordnance disposal services. Their secondary functions include aiding civil authorities during crises, supporting police and other security agencies, and fulfilling ceremonial and public assistance roles.

Malta upholds a policy of neutrality in security matters yet contributes to military missions under the EU, Organization for Security and Cooperation (OSCE), and United Nations, and became a part of NATO’s Partnership for Peace initiative in 1995 (which was suspended in 1996 but reinstated in 2008); it also engages in numerous bilateral and multinational military drills. Malta collaborates closely with Italy on defense issues; in 1973, Italy initiated a military mission in Malta to offer advice, training, and search and rescue support (2025).

Military expenditures

Military and security forces

The Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) consist of a Land Component (which includes combat, combat support, and combat service support organized into three regiments), a Maritime Squadron, and an Air Wing; there is also a Volunteer Reserve Force (2025).

Military service age and obligation

For voluntary military service, individuals aged 18 to 30, regardless of gender, are eligible; there is no conscription (2026).

Military equipment inventories and acquisitions

The military possesses a modest array of weaponry sourced from various European nations, primarily Italy, as well as the United States (2025).

Military and security service personnel strengths

There are around 2,000 active personnel in the Armed Forces of Malta (2025).