The Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) said that through a contract signed in 2025 it will further strengthen its King Air fleet with the acquisition of a fourth aircraft.

Following its assembly and successful flight testing at Textron Aviation’s facilities in Wichita, Kansas, United States of America, the aircraft was accepted prior to commencing its transatlantic journey to Aerodata in Braunschweig, Germany.

The Armed Forces of Malta Chief Engineer Officer and an Air Wing Avionics Engineer were present at the Wichita facilities during the aircraft’s acceptance phase.

At Aerodata, the King Air will now undergo an extensive programme of mission equipment installation, systems integration, certification, and testing in accordance with the Armed Forces of Malta’s operational requirements and specifications.

The AFM explained that this phase will involve the fitting of advanced surveillance and mission systems that will enable the aircraft to fulfil its intended operational role.

Upon completion of these modification and acceptance activities, the aircraft is expected to formally join the Armed Forces of Malta fleet in Malta in year 2027.

”The addition of this fourth King Air Maritime Patrol Aircraft will significantly enhance the Armed Forces of Malta’s aerial surveillance, maritime domain awareness, search and rescue support, and operational response capabilities,” the AFM said.

The Armed Forces of Malta concluded by saying that the new aircraft will further strengthen the Force’s ability to safeguard Malta’s national interests, monitor its area of responsibility, and contribute to national and regional security operations.

Photo: AFM

Permalink: Fourth King Air aircraft to join Armed Forces of Malta fleet