LÉ Aoife (P22) of the Irish Naval Service , now known as P62 of the Maritime Squadron of the Armed Forces of Malta , was built as an offshore patrol vessel in 1978.
92-830: Serving the Irish Naval Service since 1979, Aoife was decommissioned by Ireland in 2015, and donated to the Armed Forces of Malta . It was commissioned as the patrol boat P62 on 28 June 2015. Aoife was first commissioned when European Union (then EEC ) funding became available in response to the extension of the Irish Exclusive Fisheries Zone from 12 nautical miles (22 km; 14 mi) to 200 nautical miles (370 km; 230 mi) in 1976. Together with sister ships LÉ Deirdre (decommissioned in 2001), LÉ Emer (decommissioned in 2013) and LÉ Aisling (decommissioned in 2016), Aoife
184-524: A WWII aircraft engine off the Grand Harbour . The engine, most probably that of a Short Sunderland flying boat, was retrieved after a 14-hour operation. During 2020, the ship participated in joint training operations with the Royal Netherlands Navy and Hellenic Navy . Armed Forces of Malta The Armed Forces of Malta ( Maltese : Forzi Armati ta' Malta ) is the name given to
276-694: A crowd protesting against new taxes, killing four. The event, known as Sette Giugno ("7 June"), is commemorated every year and is one of five National Days. Until the Second World War , Maltese politics was dominated by the Language Question fought out by Italophone and Anglophone parties. Before the Second World War, Valletta was the location of the Royal Navy's Mediterranean fleet headquarters; however, despite Winston Churchill 's objections,
368-598: A headquarters company. 3 Regiment is the AFM's main support unit, and consists of three operational sections. Established with the AFM review of 30 October 2006, it includes: The Air Wing of the Armed Forces of Malta is the aerial component of the current Maltese military. The Air Wing has responsibility for the security of Maltese airspace, conducts maritime patrol and search and rescue duties, and provides military assistance to other government departments of Malta. The Air Wing
460-591: A high rate of fire. Air defence posed particular problems because of the passage of time on the Bofors guns, built in the early 1950s. See: AFM aircraft See: AFM maritime patrol vessels Carbine The AFM wears a single cap badge , based on that of the Royal Malta Artillery, which consists of a gun, similar to that worn by the Royal Artillery but without the crown, on top of a Maltese Cross , with
552-561: A military organisation, the AFM provides backup support to the Malta Police Force (MPF) and other government departments/agencies in situations as required in an organised, disciplined manner in the event of national emergencies (such as natural disasters) or internal security and bomb disposal. In 2020, Malta signed and ratified the UN treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons . Malta
644-709: A number of small political parties in Malta which have no parliamentary representation. Malta has had a system of local government since 1993, based on the European Charter of Local Self-Government . The country is divided into six regions (one of them being Gozo), with each region having its own Regional Council, serving as the intermediate level between local government and national government. The regions are divided into local councils , of which there are currently 68 (54 in Malta and 14 in Gozo ). The six districts (five on Malta and
736-539: A portion of his checkered red-and-white banner and presented it to the Maltese in gratitude for having fought on his behalf, forming the basis of the modern flag of Malta , is founded in myth. Malta became part of the newly formed Kingdom of Sicily , which also covered the island of Sicily and the southern half of the Italian Peninsula . The Roman Catholic Church was reinstated as the state religion, with Malta under
828-464: A referendum held on 28 May 2011 . Abortion in Malta is illegal. It and Poland are the only European Union members with near-total bans on the procedure. There are no exceptions for rape or incest. On 21 November 2022, the government led by the Labour Party proposed a bill that "introduces a new clause into the country's criminal code allowing for the termination of a pregnancy if the mother's life
920-585: A sailing regatta off Dun Laoghaire Harbour. Despite the ship's home port being Haulbowline Island in Cork Harbour, it had a close relationship with the city of Waterford and its crew were involved in fund-raising for the children's ward of the University Hospital Waterford . LÉ Aoife was decommissioned in Waterford on 31 January 2015 and later donated to Malta . Aoife was commissioned into
1012-675: A small Greek garrison. While the bulk of population continued to be constituted by the old, Latinized dwellers, during this period its religious allegiance oscillated between the Pope and the Patriarch of Constantinople . The Byzantine rule introduced Greek families to the Maltese collective. Malta remained under the Byzantine Empire until 870, when it was conquered by the Arabs . Malta became involved in
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#17328557013601104-628: A submarine base. It was also used as a listening post, intercepting German radio messages including Enigma traffic. The bravery of the Maltese people during the second siege of Malta moved King George VI to award the George Cross to Malta on a collective basis on 15 April 1942. Some historians argue that the award caused Britain to incur disproportionate losses in defending Malta, as British credibility would have suffered if Malta had surrendered, as British forces in Singapore had done . A depiction of
1196-524: Is a republic, the head of state in Malta is the president of the republic . The current president of the republic is Myriam Spiteri Debono , who was elected on 27 March 2024, by members of parliament in an indirect election . The 80th article of the Constitution of Malta provides that the president appoint as prime minister "the member of the House of Representatives who, in his judgment, is best able to command
1288-502: Is at risk or if her health is in serious jeopardy". As of 2023, an exception was added to allow abortion only if the mother's life is at risk. Malta is an archipelago in the central Mediterranean (in its eastern basin ), some 80 km (50 mi) from southern Italy across the Malta Channel . Only the three largest islands— Malta (Maltese: Malta ), Gozo ( Għawdex ), and Comino ( Kemmuna )—are inhabited. The islands of
1380-497: Is based at Malta International Airport . The Maritime Squadron of the Armed Forces of Malta is the naval component of the current Maltese military. The Maritime Squadron has responsibility for the security of Maltese territorial waters, maritime surveillance and law enforcement, as well as search and rescue. It is based at Hay Wharf (Xatt it-Tiben) in Floriana . It currently operates 10 patrol vessels and 6 other boats. In addition to
1472-472: Is equipped with the latest British Army issue Personal Load Bearing Equipment including both the webbing and bergen as well as the woodland pattern battle dress uniform, Avon S10 respirator and Kevlar ballistic helmet. Protective ballistic vests and night vision goggles are carried when required. Infantry soldiers have a number of weapons at their disposal including the Kalashnikov AK-47 and AKM rifles,
1564-691: Is now in the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta. Another archaeological feature of the Maltese Islands often attributed to these ancient builders is equidistant uniform grooves dubbed "cart tracks" or "cart ruts" which can be found in several locations throughout the islands, with the most prominent being those found in Misraħ Għar il-Kbir . These may have been caused by wooden-wheeled carts eroding soft limestone. The culture apparently disappeared from
1656-417: Is presumed the population arrived from Sicily because of the similarity of Maltese dolmens to some small constructions found there. Phoenician traders colonised the islands under the name Ann ( 𐤀𐤍𐤍 , ʾNN ) sometime after 1000 BC as a stop on their trade routes from the eastern Mediterranean to Cornwall . Their seat of government was apparently at Mdina , which shared the island's name;
1748-523: Is regarded as one of the most LGBT -supportive countries in the world, and was the first nation in the European Union to prohibit conversion therapy . Malta also constitutionally bans discrimination based on disability. Maltese legislation recognises both civil and canonical (ecclesiastical) marriages. Annulments by the ecclesiastical and civil courts are unrelated and are not necessarily mutually endorsed. Malta voted in favour of divorce legislation in
1840-465: Is the Force Headquarters located at Luqa Barracks, Luqa. It is a joint Headquarters that operates at the military strategic as well as the operational and tactical levels. HQ AFM is composed of the following branches: 1st Regiment is Malta's infantry unit, and has primary responsibility for the territorial defence of the country. It is divided into three rifle companies , a support company and
1932-473: Is the world's tenth-smallest country by area and the ninth most densely populated . Various sources consider the country to consist of a single urban region, for which it is often described as a city-state . Malta has been inhabited since about 5900 BC. Its location in the centre of the Mediterranean has historically given it great geostrategic importance, with a succession of powers having ruled
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#17328557013602024-609: The Arab–Byzantine wars , and the conquest of Malta is closely linked with that of Sicily that began in 827 after Admiral Euphemius ' betrayal of his fellow Byzantines, requesting that the Aghlabids invade the island. The Muslim chronicler and geographer al-Himyari recounts that in 870, following a violent struggle against the defending Byzantines, the Arab invaders, first led by Halaf al-Hadim, and later by Sawada ibn Muhammad, pillaged
2116-572: The Book of Acts in the Bible 's New Testament . English translations including the 1611 King James Version long used the Vulgate Latin form Melita , although William Tyndale 's 1525 translation from Greek sources used the transliteration Melite instead. Malta is widely used in more recent versions. The name is attested earlier in other languages, however, including some medieval manuscripts of
2208-509: The European Union , the AFM has become more engaged in peacekeeping missions. The AFM has participated in 7 overseas operations. On land, 1 Regiment is the designated home of the Maltese Infantry with C (Special Duties) Company being at the cutting edge of this unit. The company is being trained and equipped to be able to contribute a platoon for overseas humanitarian and rescue missions attached to an Italian regiment on missions mandated by
2300-533: The French Revolutionary Wars in 1798. During 12–18 June 1798, Napoleon resided at the Palazzo Parisio in Valletta. He reformed national administration with the creation of a Government Commission, twelve municipalities, a public finance administration, the abolition of all feudal rights and privileges, the abolition of slavery and the granting of freedom to all Turkish and Jewish slaves. On
2392-619: The Grand Banks of Newfoundland . However, four tons of water also entered her tanks and soon, Challenger needed more fuel filters . Branson's London control centre requested help from the RAF but the Royal Navy did not have a ship in the area. Aoife , 160 miles distant, was informed and an RAF Nimrod dropped a canister of filters to Challenger . Aoife reached Challenger at 00:43 on 29 June. Her crew refueled Challenger , which went on to complete
2484-584: The Grand Harbour and its primary settlement at Cospicua following the sea level rise that separated the Maltese islands and flooded its original coastal settlements in the 10th century BC. The name was then applied to all of Malta by the Greeks and to its ancient capital at Mdina by the Romans. Malta and its demonym Maltese are attested in English from the late 16th century. The Greek name appears in
2576-612: The Great Siege of Malta by the Ottomans in 1565. The knights, with the help of Portuguese, Spanish and Maltese forces, repelled the attack. After the siege they decided to increase Malta's fortifications , particularly in the inner-harbour area, where the new city of Valletta , named in honour of Valette, was built. They also established watchtowers along the coasts – the Wignacourt , Lascaris and De Redin towers – named after
2668-781: The Heckler and Koch MP-5 sub-machine guns, the Beretta 92 FS pistols, the PKM machine gun, as well as the General Purpose Machine Gun L7A1 . Sniper teams are equipped with the Accuracy International sniper rifle while the anti-tank troops embedded within the infantry platoons carry the RPG-7 rocket launcher. Several variants of the AKM rifle have been modernized by FAB Defense, along with
2760-551: The Hohenstaufen dynasty from 1194 until 1266. As Emperor Frederick II began to reorganise his Sicilian kingdom, Western culture and religion started to exert their influence more intensely. Malta was declared a county and a marquisate , but its trade was totally ruined. For a long time it remained solely a fortified garrison . A mass expulsion of Arabs occurred in 1224, and the entire Christian male population of Celano in Abruzzo
2852-707: The Italian language , which had official status from 1530 to 1934. Malta was an early centre of Christianity , and Roman Catholicism is the state religion , although the country's constitution guarantees freedom of conscience and religious worship. Malta is a developed country with an advanced high-income economy . It is heavily reliant on tourism, attracting both travelers and a growing expatriate community with its warm climate, numerous recreational areas, and architectural and historical monuments, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum , Valletta, and seven megalithic temples which are some of
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2944-686: The Maritime Squadron of the Armed Forces of Malta on 28 June 2015, and given the pennant number P62 . It is the largest vessel in the Maritime Squadron, being larger than the flagship, the Diciotti -class offshore patrol boat P61 . It arrived in Malta in November 2015, intended initially for use in humanitarian operations in the Mediterranean. On 24 May 2019, P62 was involved in the recovery of
3036-587: The Mediterranean Sea , between Sicily and North Africa. It consists of an archipelago 80 km (50 mi) south of Italy, 284 km (176 mi) east of Tunisia, and 333 km (207 mi) north of Libya. The two official languages are Maltese and English . The country's capital is Valletta , which is the smallest capital city in the EU by both area and population. With a population of about 542,000 over an area of 316 km (122 sq mi), Malta
3128-498: The See of Palermo , and some Norman architecture sprang up around Malta, especially in its ancient capital Mdina . King Tancred made Malta a fief of the kingdom and installed a Count of Malta in 1192. As the islands were much desired due to their strategic importance, it was during this time that the men of Malta were militarised to fend off attempted conquest; early Counts were skilled Genoese privateers . The kingdom passed on to
3220-771: The Western Roman Empire declined , Malta was conquered or occupied a number of times. From 454 to 464 the islands were subdued by the Vandals , and after 464 by the Ostrogoths . In 533, Belisarius , on his way to conquer the Vandal Kingdom in North Africa, reunited the islands under Imperial ( Eastern ) rule. Little is known about the Byzantine rule in Malta : the island depended on the theme of Sicily and had Greek Governors and
3312-741: The Westminster system . The unicameral parliament is made up of the president of Malta and the House of Representatives ( Maltese : Kamra tad-Deputati ). The president of Malta, a largely ceremonial position, is appointed for a five-year term by a resolution of the House of Representatives carried by a simple majority. The House of Representatives has 65 members, elected for a five-year term in 13 five-seat electoral divisions, called distretti elettorali , with constitutional amendments that allow for mechanisms to establish strict proportionality amongst seats and votes of political parliamentary groups. Members of
3404-552: The dwarf hippos , giant swans and dwarf elephants has been linked to the earliest arrival of humans on Malta. Prehistoric farming settlements dating to the Early Neolithic include Għar Dalam . The population on Malta grew cereals , raised livestock and, in common with other ancient Mediterranean cultures, worshipped a fertility figure . A culture of megalithic temple builders then either supplanted or arose from this early period. Around 3500 BC, these people built some of
3496-458: The " Regiment of Maltese Militia ", existing only until the following year. It was reformed as the " Maltese Militia " by Sir Adrian Dingli in 1852 before being disbanded again in 1857. It was raised again, this time as the "Royal Malta Regiment of Militia" in 1889; this regiment was considered to be the successor to the "Maltese Chasseurs" of the early 19th century. The regiment was renamed the "King's Own Royal Malta Regiment of Militia" in 1903 and
3588-454: The Arab rulers of Sicily in 1038. The Arab Agricultural Revolution introduced new irrigation, cotton, and some fruits. The Siculo-Arabic language was adopted on the island from Sicily; it would eventually evolve into the Maltese language . The Normans attacked Malta in 1091, as part of their conquest of Sicily . The Norman leader, Roger I of Sicily , was welcomed by Christian captives. The notion that Count Roger I reportedly tore off
3680-890: The British Army, which became known as the Maltese Light Infantry . This battalion was disbanded in 1802 and succeeded by the Maltese Provincial Battalions , the Malta Coast Artillery and the Maltese Veterans . In 1815, Lieutenant Colonel Count Francis Rivarola was entrusted with the task of raising the Royal Malta Fencible Regiment following the disbandment of the Provincials, Veterans and Coast Artillery. The Royal Malta Fencible Regiment
3772-456: The British. The British transferred the island to the locals that day, and it was administered by Archpriest Saverio Cassar on behalf of Ferdinand III of Sicily . Gozo remained independent until Cassar was removed by the British in 1801. General Claude-Henri Belgrand de Vaubois surrendered his French forces in 1800. Maltese leaders presented the main island to Sir Alexander Ball, asking that
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3864-594: The Count, the Maltese voiced their loyalty to the Sicilian Crown , which so impressed King Alfonso that he did not punish the people for their rebellion. Instead, he promised never to grant the title to a third party and incorporated it back into the crown. The city of Mdina was given the title of Città Notabile . On 23 March 1530, Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor , gave the islands to the Knights Hospitaller under
3956-422: The Evangelist were shipwrecked on the islands. Paul remained for three months, preaching the Christian faith . The island is mentioned at the Acts of the Apostles as Melitene ( Ancient Greek : Μελιτήνη ). In 395, when the Roman Empire was divided for the last time at the death of Theodosius I , Malta, following Sicily, fell under the control of the Western Roman Empire . During the Migration Period as
4048-428: The George Cross now appears on the Flag of Malta and the country's arms . Malta achieved its independence as the State of Malta on 21 September 1964 ( Independence Day ). Under its 1964 constitution, Malta initially retained Queen Elizabeth II as Queen of Malta and thus head of state, with a governor-general exercising executive authority on her behalf. In 1971, the Malta Labour Party led by Dom Mintoff won
4140-472: The Grand Masters who ordered the work. The Knights' presence on the island saw the completion of many architectural and cultural projects, including the embellishment of Città Vittoriosa (modern Birgu ) and the construction of new cities including Città Rohan (modern Ħaż-Żebbuġ ). However, by the late 1700s the power of the Knights had declined and the Order had become unpopular. The Knights' reign ended when Napoleon captured Malta on his way to Egypt during
4232-434: The Greek and Roman name for the island. Punic influence, however, remained vibrant on the islands with the famous Cippi of Melqart , pivotal in deciphering the Punic language , dedicated in the second century BC. Local Roman coinage, which ceased in the first century BC, indicates the slow pace of the island's Romanisation: the last locally minted coins still bear inscriptions in Ancient Greek and Punic motifs, showing
4324-468: The House of Representatives are elected by direct universal suffrage through single transferable vote every five years, unless the House is dissolved earlier by the president either on the advice of the prime minister or through a motion of no confidence. Malta had the second-highest voter turnout in the world (and the highest for nations without mandatory voting ), based on election turnout in national lower house elections from 1960 to 1995. Since Malta
4416-428: The Latin Antonine Itinerary . Malta has been inhabited from circa 5900 BC, since the arrival of settlers originating from European Neolithic agriculturalists. Pottery found by archaeologists at the Skorba Temples resembles that found in Italy, and suggests that the Maltese islands were first settled in 5200 BC by Stone Age hunters or farmers who had arrived from Sicily, possibly the Sicani . The extinction of
4508-479: The Maltese foot soldier has changed drastically in recent years. The fiat for change was given to C Company prior to its successful participation in the multi-national Partnership for Peace exercise in 1996. Following Malta's pledge towards the EU's Military Headline Goal in 2000, procurement received another boost. With funding being a perennial problem, over the years the Force had to rely on varied equipment transferred or financed by several countries. Standardisation
4600-410: The Maltese that they rebelled, forcing the French to depart. Great Britain, along with the Kingdom of Naples and the Kingdom of Sicily , sent ammunition and aid to the Maltese, and Britain also sent its navy , which blockaded the islands. On 28 October 1798, Captain Sir Alexander Ball successfully completed negotiations with the French garrison on Gozo for a surrender and transfer of the island to
4692-409: The UN or the OSCE. Malta has to ensure that the troops are adequately trained and equipped up to Italian army standards for seamless integration within an Italian regiment, able to tackle any foreseeable problems for up to a year. C (Special Duties) Company is also being geared for a quick reaction role, ready for action at a moment's notice should an emergency, such as terrorism, arise. The kit used by
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#17328557013604784-497: The aftermath of the departure of the remaining British troops in 1979, the country intensified its participation in the Non-Aligned Movement . Malta adopted a policy of neutrality in 1980. In that same year, three of Malta's sites, including the capital Valletta , were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List . In 1989, Malta was the venue of a summit between US President George H. W. Bush and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev , their first face-to-face encounter, which signalled
4876-486: The archipelago lie on the Malta plateau, a shallow shelf formed from the high points of a land bridge between Sicily and North Africa that became isolated as sea levels rose after the last ice age . The archipelago is located on the African tectonic plate . Malta was considered an island of North Africa for centuries. The seabed surrounding Malta's islands retains traces of ancient geomarine features, suggesting potential archaeological discoveries that could shed light on
4968-418: The central government such as the collection of government rents and funds and answer government-related public inquiries. Additionally, a number of individual towns and villages in the Republic of Malta have sister cities . The objectives of the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) are to maintain a military organisation with the primary aim of defending the islands' integrity according to the defence roles as set by
5060-424: The combined armed services of Malta . The AFM is a brigade sized organisation consisting of a headquarters and three separate battalions , with minimal air and naval forces. Since Malta is the guardian of the European Union 's southernmost border, the AFM has an active role in border control. In April 1800, while the blockade of Valletta was underway, Thomas Graham raised the first official Maltese Troops in
5152-409: The combining form of méli ( μέλι , "honey" or any similarly sweet thing) and the suffix -ē ( -η ). The ancient Greeks may have given the island this name after Malta's endemic subspecies of bees . Alternatively, other scholars argue for derivation of the Greek name from an original Phoenician or Punic Maleth ( 𐤌𐤋𐤈 , mlṭ ), meaning "haven" or "port" in reference to
5244-402: The command was moved to Alexandria , Egypt, in 1937 out of fear that it was too susceptible to air attacks from Europe. During the war Malta played an important role for the Allies ; being a British colony, situated close to Sicily and the Axis shipping lanes, Malta was bombarded by the Italian and German air forces. Malta was used by the British to launch attacks on the Italian Navy and had
5336-457: The end of the Cold War . Malta International Airport was inaugurated and became fully operational on 25 March 1992, boosting the local aircraft and tourism industry. A referendum on joining the European Union was held on 8 March 2003, with 53.65% in favour. Malta joined the European Union on 1 May 2004 and the eurozone on 1 January 2008. Malta is a republic whose parliamentary system and public administration are closely modelled on
5428-402: The general elections, resulting in Malta declaring itself a republic on 13 December 1974 ( Republic Day ) within the Commonwealth . A defence agreement was signed soon after independence, and after being re-negotiated in 1972, expired on 31 March 1979 ( Freedom Day ). Upon its expiry, the British base closed and lands formerly controlled by the British were given to the Maltese government. In
5520-617: The government in an efficient and cost-effective manner. This is achieved by emphasising the maintenance of Malta's territorial waters and airspace integrity. The AFM also engages in combating terrorism, fighting against illicit drug trafficking, conducting anti-illegal immigrant operations and patrols, and anti-illegal fishing operations, operating search and rescue (SAR) services, and physical or electronic security and surveillance of sensitive locations. Malta's search-and-rescue area extends from east of Tunisia to west of Crete , an area of around 250,000 km (97,000 sq mi). As
5612-432: The island become a British Dominion . The Maltese people created a Declaration of Rights in which they agreed to come "under the protection and sovereignty of the King of the free people, His Majesty the King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland". The Declaration also stated that "his Majesty has no right to cede these Islands to any power...if he chooses to withdraw his protection, and abandon his sovereignty,
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#17328557013605704-425: The island fell back in the hands of Carthage, only to be conquered again during the Second Punic War in 218 BC by the Roman consul Tiberius Sempronius Longus . After that, Malta became a Foederata Civitas , a designation that meant it was exempt from paying tribute or the rule of Roman law , and fell within the jurisdiction of the province of Sicily . Its capital at Mdina was renamed Melita after
5796-403: The island, destroying the most important buildings, and leaving it practically uninhabited until it was recolonised by the Arabs from Sicily in 1048–1049. It is uncertain whether this new settlement resulted from demographic expansion in Sicily, a higher standard of living in Sicily (in which case the recolonisation may have taken place a few decades earlier), or a civil war which broke out among
5888-412: The islands and shaped its culture and society. These include the Phoenicians , Carthaginians , Greeks , and Romans in antiquity ; the Arabs , Normans , and Aragonese during the Middle Ages ; and the Knights Hospitaller , French , and British in the modern era . Malta came under British rule in the early 19th century and served as the headquarters for the British Mediterranean Fleet . It
5980-400: The islands around 2500 BC, possibly due to famine or disease. After 2500 BC, the Maltese Islands were depopulated for several decades until an influx of Bronze Age immigrants, a culture that cremated its dead and introduced smaller megalithic structures called dolmens . They are claimed to belong to a population certainly different from that which built the previous megalithic temples. It
6072-517: The judicial level, a family code was framed and twelve judges were nominated. Public education was organised along principles laid down by Bonaparte himself, providing for primary and secondary education. He then sailed for Egypt, leaving a substantial garrison in Malta. The French forces left behind became unpopular with the Maltese, due particularly to the French forces' hostility towards Catholicism and pillaging of local churches to fund war efforts. French financial and religious policies so angered
6164-436: The leadership of Frenchman Philippe Villiers de L'Isle-Adam , in perpetual lease for which they had to pay an annual tribute of a single Maltese Falcon . These knights, a military religious order also known as the Order of St John and later as the Knights of Malta, had been driven out of Rhodes by the Ottoman Empire in 1522. The Knights Hospitaller ruled Malta and Gozo between 1530 and 1798. During this period,
6256-450: The motto "Tutela Bellicæ Virtutis" underneath. Malta – in Europe (light green & dark grey) – in the European Union (light green) – [ Legend ] Malta ( / ˈ m ɒ l t ə / MOL -tə , / ˈ m ɔː l t ə / MAWL -tə , Maltese: [ˈmɐːltɐ] ), officially the Republic of Malta , is an island country in Southern Europe located in
6348-410: The oldest existing free-standing structures in the world in the form of the megalithic Ġgantija temples on Gozo ; other early temples include those at Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra . The temples have distinctive architecture, typically a complex trefoil design, and were used from 4000 to 2500 BC. Tentative information suggests that animal sacrifices were made to the goddess of fertility, whose statue
6440-469: The oldest free-standing structures in the world. The English name Malta derives from Italian and Maltese Malta , from medieval Arabic Māliṭā ( مَالِطَا ), from classical Latin Melita , from latinised or Doric forms of the ancient Greek Melítē ( Μελίτη ) of uncertain origin. The name Melítē —shared by the Croatian island Mljet in antiquity—literally means "place of honey" or "sweetness", derived from
6532-421: The primary port was at Cospicua on the Grand Harbour , which they called Maleth. After the fall of Phoenicia in 332 BC, the area came under the control of Carthage . During this time, the people on Malta mainly cultivated olives and carob and produced textiles. During the First Punic War , the island was conquered after harsh fighting by Marcus Atilius Regulus . After the failure of his expedition,
6624-630: The regular forces, there is also the Volunteer Reserve Force , which consists of part-time volunteers to support the regulars. The presence of the Italian Military Mission (IMM) in Malta has taken form in the shape of technical assistance spread over three periods of time; firstly, between 1973 and 1979, then between 1981 and July 1988, and lastly from July 1988 to 7 November 2016, when its last helicopter left Malta. IMM personnel resources in Malta totalled 12 officers and 35 NCOs from
6716-547: The resistance of the Greek and Punic cultures. In the second century, Emperor Hadrian (r. 117–38) upgraded the status of Malta to a municipium or free town: the island's local affairs were administered by four quattuorviri iuri dicundo and a municipal senate, while a Roman procurator living in Mdina represented the proconsul of Sicily. In AD 58, Paul the Apostle and Luke
6808-667: The right of electing another sovereign, or of the governing of these Islands, belongs to us, the inhabitants and aborigines alone, and without control." In 1814, as part of the Treaty of Paris , Malta officially became a part of the British Empire and was used as a shipping way-station and fleet headquarters. After the Suez Canal opened in 1869, Malta's position halfway between the Strait of Gibraltar and Egypt proved to be its main asset, and it
6900-421: The single transferable vote. Due to system reforms, no elections were held before 2012. Since then, elections have been held every two years for an alternating half of the councils. Local councils are responsible for the general upkeep and embellishment of the locality (including repairs to non-arterial roads), allocation of local wardens, and refuse collection; they also carry out general administrative duties for
6992-432: The sixth being Gozo) serve primarily statistical purposes. Each council is made up of a number of councillors (from 5 to 13, depending on and relative to the population they represent). A mayor and a deputy mayor are elected by and from the councillors. The executive secretary, who is appointed by the council, is the executive, administrative and financial head of the council. Councillors are elected every four years through
7084-695: The strategic and military importance of the island grew greatly as the small yet efficient fleet of the Order of Saint John launched their attacks from this new base targeting the shipping lanes of the Ottoman territories around the Mediterranean Sea. In 1551, the population of the island of Gozo (around 5,000 people) were enslaved by Barbary pirates and taken to the Barbary Coast in North Africa. The knights, led by Frenchman Jean Parisot de Valette , withstood
7176-599: The support of a majority of the members of that House". Maltese politics is a two-party system dominated by the Labour Party ( Maltese : Partit Laburista ), a centre-left social democratic party, and the Nationalist Party ( Maltese : Partit Nazzjonalista ), a centre-right Christian democratic party. The Labour Party has been the governing party since 2013 and is currently led by Prime Minister Robert Abela , who has been in office since 13 January 2020. There are
7268-616: The three service branches of the Italian Armed Forces. It was also equipped with two AB 212 helicopters, 15 heavy plant vehicles, 60 light all-purpose utility vehicles, radio telecommunications, and weapons. The Armed Forces of Malta mainly consist of professional soldiers. There are also a small number of reserve soldiers. Malta does not employ conscription. Volunteers, who want to enlist, need to be citizens of Malta, and between 18–30 years old. In 2017, there were roughly 1,950 active personnel and 180 reservists. Since Malta's entry in
7360-459: The title Count of Malta . During this time much of the local nobility was created. By 1397, however, the bearing of the comital title reverted to a feudal basis, with two families fighting over the distinction. This led King Martin I of Sicily to abolish the title. The dispute over the title returned when the title was reinstated a few years later and the Maltese, led by the local nobility, rose up against Count Gonsalvo Monroy. Although they opposed
7452-649: The use of renewable personnel combat equipment from the UK. In addition, the 1st Regiment also adopted the SIG MCX , a new assault rifle for use in special operations. Considering that the AK assault rifle is too powerful and is considered less suitable for CQB . Eight-man sections are deployed either on Land rovers or Iveco VM-90 trucks. The AFM also operates a number of Bedford trucks which, despite their age, still give excellent service. Suffice to say that these trucks were driven in convoys all
7544-544: The voyage, taking two hours and nine minutes off the previous record. Branson invited representatives of the ships company to the celebrations in London, saying "We could not have succeeded without their help". In October 2004, Aoife assisted in the rescue of the Canadian Forces submarine Chicoutimi off the north-western coast of Ireland . In July 2007, Aoife assisted in the rescue of over 100 children taking part in
7636-691: The way to Kosovo and back three times in 2001 and not one of them broke down. The Explosives Ordnance Disposal Unit is equipped with two remote controlled Explosive Ordnance Disposal Vehicles – robots used to disable a bomb from a safe distance. The first was bought in 1989 and a second, much more sophisticated one, was bought last year. The Air Defence Battery forms part of 2nd Regiment and operates Bofors 40L/70 anti-aircraft guns and four barrelled ZSU-4 heavy machine guns. The Bofors guns can be operated either manually or electrically and they can be laid on their targets either visually or through radar. The 14.5mm machine guns can only be operated manually but they provide
7728-885: Was besieged by the Axis powers during World War II and was an important Allied base for North Africa and the Mediterranean. Malta achieved independence in 1964, and established its current parliamentary republic in 1974. It has been a member state of the Commonwealth of Nations and the United Nations since independence; it joined the European Union in 2004 and the eurozone monetary union in 2008. Malta's long history of foreign rule and close proximity to both Europe and North Africa have influenced its art, music, cuisine, and architecture. Malta has close historical and cultural ties to Italy and especially Sicily ; between 62 and 66 percent of Maltese people speak or have significant knowledge of
7820-497: Was a headache. But matters have improved considerably, especially with regard to light infantry weapons. At one time there were as many as eight different types of pistol and associated ammunition, now there are two, principally the Beretta FS and some Makarov. The army has also bought Heckler and Koch sub-machine guns and, thanks to Chinese assistance, all infantrymen now have their own individual AKM rifle. The Maltese Infantry soldier
7912-565: Was built at Verolme Cork Dockyard. Originally named after Aoife , step-mother to the children of Lir , Aoife operated primarily as a fisheries protection vessel. Aoife also assisted however in emergency rescue operations and other naval support roles. In 1986 Richard Branson 's Virgin Challenger II was attempting to break the transatlantic speed record set by United States in 1952. Challenger left New York Harbour on 26 June 1986 and refueled, as prearranged, at an oil rig on
8004-583: Was considered an important stop on the way to India, a central trade route for the British. A Turkish Military Cemetery was commissioned by Sultan Abdul Aziz and built between 1873 and 1874 for the fallen Ottoman soldiers of the Great Siege of Malta . Between 1915 and 1918, during the First World War , Malta became known as the Nurse of the Mediterranean due to the large number of wounded soldiers who were accommodated there. In 1919, British troops fired into
8096-602: Was converted to an artillery regiment in 1861 and became known as the Royal Malta Fencible Artillery . Twenty-eight years later, the direct predecessors of the modern Armed Forces of Malta came into existence following the formation of the Royal Malta Artillery on 23 March 1889. The King's Own Malta Regiment was a territorial infantry regiment on the British Army colonial list. It was formed in 1801 as
8188-530: Was deported to Malta in the same year. In 1249 Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor , decreed that all remaining Muslims be expelled from Malta or compelled to convert. For a brief period, the kingdom passed to the Capetian House of Anjou , but high taxes made the dynasty unpopular in Malta, due in part to Charles of Anjou 's war against the Republic of Genoa, and the island of Gozo was sacked in 1275. Malta
8280-609: Was disbanded in 1921. The regiment was raised for a fourth time in 1931 as the "King's Own Malta Regiment". Initially on the British Establishment, in 1951 it was transferred to the Malta Territorial Force before becoming part of the Malta Land Force on Malta's independence in 1964. The regiment was disbanded in 1972. The AFM was formed upon Malta becoming a republic in 1974, when 1 Regiment Royal Malta Artillery
8372-418: Was renamed as 1 Regiment, AFM. This initially continued the artillery role, with 2 Regiment formed as an engineers unit. In 1980, 1 Regiment became a mixed unit, with infantry, aircraft and maritime responsibilities, the artillery element being transferred to 2 Regiment. In 1992, there was a major re-organisation, which led to the formation of 3 Regiment and the current structure. KOMR Battle Honours HQ AFM
8464-619: Was ruled by the House of Barcelona , the ruling dynasty of the Crown of Aragon , from 1282 to 1409, with the Aragonese aiding the Maltese insurgents in the Sicilian Vespers in the naval battle in Grand Harbour in 1283. Relatives of the kings of Aragon ruled the island until 1409 when it formally passed to the Crown of Aragon. Early on in the Aragonese ascendancy, the sons of the monarchs received
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