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Malta's armed forces have contracted a King Air patrol aircraft, manufactured in Kansas, for surveillance and detection. The aircraft will be delivered by Aerodata AG. This addition will enhance security across the central Mediterranean and will be primarily used for border control, maritime surveillance, law enforcement, and search and rescue.

The King Air will be the fourth in service for the AFM. Malta's defense budget has risen from €86 million in 2025 to over €100 million in 2026, reflecting an overall increase in defense spending, though it remains one of Europe's lowest at 0.5% of GDP.