Nationalist MP Mario de Marco yesterday called for a strategic defence review which would consider the future role of the Armed Forces of Malta in the context of the security threats which Malta could face.
Could one realistically continue to say that the role of the AFM was to defend Malta from invasion? Did such a threat exist? And could the AFM realistically face such a situation, Dr de Marco asked during the Budget debate.
He observed that the AFM's anti-aircraft guns were obsolete, but replacing them with modern systems was difficult. Coastal defences too would not be able to stop an invasion.
One needed to assess the modern risks which Malta faced and tailor the army to meet them. Those threats were likely to be terrorism, illegal immigration, contraband and drug trafficking, but the AFM also had a role in internal security and search and rescue missions. Such roles necessitated the formation of a specialised anti-terrorism squad as well as well equipped maritime and air squadrons.
Indeed, over the years much had been done to improve the AFM, including the formation of the emergency volunteer corps and in the area of search and rescue, where high standards were evident. Dr de Marco welcomed the fact that members of the emergency volunteer force had been promoted to lance bombardier late last year and participated in courses for non-commissioned officers. There were also plans for some to be promoted to bombardiers.
It was also positive that the AFM was planning further recruitment of officer cadets and gunners in the regular force.
Professional training included preparation for participation in EU-led humanitarian crisis management missions, for which the AFM was expected to be ready to send a contingent late next year after more equipment was made available.
The AFM had received assistance, including specialist training for its officers, from Italy, Britain, Germany, the USA, Belgium and Sweden. Maltese soldiers had also participated in the canale and terra firma exercises with Italian forces.
Nonetheless, training needed to become more regular and widespread. It was unacceptable that members of certain companies were trained only once a month.
A significant development next year would be the delivery to the AFM of an offshore patrol vessel built in Italy thanks to funds from the Italian financial protocol. The United States had also said it would give Malta $6.5 million for the purchase of American helicopters.
Other significant events for the AFM next year would be security work as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting as well as the AFM's takeover from Maltacom of maritime radio services, for which new equipment would be bought. Dr de Marco also referred to the Budget allocation for the House of Representatives, which was being raised from Lm1.08 million to Lm1.2 million.
This reflected the importance that the government attached to the House. Malta's accession to the EU meant more work for MPs and the House committees.
Concluding, Dr de Marco asked what developments had been made in the White Paper on the civil service. It was important that civil servants should give a better service to the public.