The Armed Forces of Malta has taken delivery of new night vision and thermal imaging equipment which will help it in the surveillance and monitoring of irregular migration.

The equipment was formally unveiled this morning at the Air Wing base during a ceremony in which the AFM also announced the completion of a major overhaul of its Aerospatiale SA316 Alouette III helicopter at a cost of almost €1 million.

The AFM said the new imaging equipment will give its soldiers the capability to detect targets at a distance, allowing for earlier visual contact and precise reporting methods.

The equipment was acquired through the provision of EU funds.

The helicopter’s overhaul, partly funded by the European Borders Fund, included an overhaul of its engine, gearboxes, rotor heads and main rotor masts. The parts were overhauled by the makers abroad.

The AFM currently operates three helicopters.

In comments to journalists, Home Affairs Minister Manuel Mallia again denied that pressure had been made on AFM commender Brigadier Martin Xuereb to resign. He also denied that the AFM was being politicised and said a successor to Brig Xuereb would be announced shortly.

Brig. Xuereb said he had decided to step down after 26 years of service. Everyone in the army could leave after 25 years, he said. He said he would continue to dedicate all his energy to the AFM for as long as he was in the service.

The AFM will hold its popular open day at headquarters in Luqa on Sunday.