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The Maltese Herald

The Armed Forces of Malta is acquiring new weapons every year: it just doesn’t talk about it

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by

Mark Camilleri
in

I was surprised with the Nationalist Party’s stunt last week that involved the photos of the dilapidated weaponry of the Armed Forces of Malta. The government has been increasing the expenditure of the Armed Forces of Malta year on year, and the AFM have also been acquiring new weapons and weapons systems. However, the Armed Forces of Malta is not publicly announcing its weapons purchases. The Nationalist Party actually presented photos of weaponry dating back to decades which were originally abandoned during Nationalist administrations.

The Opposition should have been briefed about several weapons purchases including anti-drone systems that were purchased as part of Malta’s plans to host several world leaders and international summits. The Armed Forces of Malta have also acquired hand-held rocket and missile launchers. However, I did not confirm whether the Nationalist Party were briefed about these facts: I think the probability is that they should have been briefed about these developments. The Opposition Leader attends the yearly national security committee with the Prime Minister and the heads of the Police and the Armed Forces. Malta also gets help from French and Italian intelligence and defence entities to fill its defence and intelligence gaps.

So far, it has been the Prime Minister and the Labour Party who have acted in the most immature way during Malta’s debate on defence. Instead of trying to take the issue seriously, the government and the Labour Party accused the Nationalist Party of warmongering, and are also attacking the President of the European Parliament. The Opposition Leader made reasonable statements on Malta’s and Europe’s defence but hasn’t avoided the temptation of using the defence issue for partisan purposes either.

With its latest stunt the Nationalist Party is risking to participate with the Labour Party in the ridicule of this very important debate. The Opposition Leader faces a challenging task in staying level-headed and avoiding provocations from the government, which is handling the defence issue in a highly immature manner.

Comments

6 responses to “The Armed Forces of Malta is acquiring new weapons every year: it just doesn’t talk about it”

  1. True&JustWorldOrder avatar
    True&JustWorldOrder

    No such thing as NEUTRALITY – unless one is dead.

    Reply
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