The Italian Military Mission

Acting in response to Malta’s request for assistance in the training of military personnel and engineering support on special infrastructural projects, Italy established the Missione Italiana di Cooperazione Tecnica e Militare On Malta on August 1, 1973. Between 1981 and 1988 the Mission was composed of two structures, namely the Missione Italiana di Cooperazione Tecnico-Militare ((MICTM) and the Delegazione Italiana di Assistenza Tecnico-Militare (DIATM).  

By 1988, in view of consolidated cooperation, a memorandum was signed regulating the setting up of the Missione Italiana di Assistenza Tecnico Militare (MIATM). This agreement is still in force. Given that the AFM is a composite force, the Italian Military Mission members belong to the Navy, Army, Air Forces and the Capitanerie di Porto – Guardia Costiera.  

This Mission’s aim has been primarily that of assisting the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) in training of personnel in various military fields.  The Mission has also provided heavy plant equipment, know-how and expert advice to other Malta Government Departments in major construction projects. These include the new principal runway at the Airport, arterial roads and rainwater conservation and telecommunication networks.  

In addition to providing instructors to conduct local military training, AFM personnel now benefit from scholarships at various military establishments in Italy. Thanks to these scholarships a number of AFM Officers and men who have received training in Italy now occupy important posts in practically every branch of the AFM.  

To fulfill its functions and carry out its tasks, the Missions has a variety of equipment on its inventory ranging from Search and Rescue helicopters (AB412), that have provided assistance since 1982, heavy plant and utility transport vehicles, radio communication and electronic equipment as well as infantry weapons. All logistic support for this equipment is provided by the Mission. In addition the Italian Government donated military equipment to the AFM. The running costs of the Mission are provided by the Italian Ministry of Defense.  

Whilst the thrust of the Mission’s purpose is centered on assistance to the AFM, the Mission has spared no efforts to assist in projects of direct interest to the civil community: the Mission has provided assistance in the rehabilitation of the Chadwick Lakes, excavation works at the Aviation Museum, landscaping at Mtarfa and Pembroke, aerial photography for Planning Authority purposes, location of underwater wrecks and setting up of and integrated air/naval communication network for search and rescue operations.

 

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