Two AFM fixed-wing pilots received their pilots’ wings at a special ceremony today following an intensive three month course.

Lance Bombardier Darren Roe, 29, from Dingli and Gunner Phillip Cardona, 25, from Kercem are the first AFM fixed wing pilots to be completely trained locally.

In the past, only helicopter pilots were trained in Malta, whereas fixed wing pilots were trained overseas.

The pilots have been aircraft type-certified on the T.mk1 Bulldog aircraft.

During the wings-awarding ceremony, British High Commissioner Louise Stanton said that the close ties between Malta and the UK in defence co-operation and training were already well established.

The relationship continued to grow through training placements and operations jointly conducted with RAF units, either on "staff rides", or larger scale deployments such as those involving the Red Arrows.

“I am therefore delighted that the UK has been involved in assessing the skills of the pilots who play a vital role in both Maltese defence and SAR operations,” she said.