Helis, December 23, 2025 - The Armed Forces of Malta (AFM, Forzi Armati ta' Malta) have signed a contract with Leonardo Helicopters for the acquisition of an additional AW139, expanding the Air Wing’s rotary-wing fleet to four aircraft.
The new helicopter will complement the three AW139s already in service, supporting fleet standardisation and further strengthening the AFM’s operational capability.
The AW139 remains a core platform for the AFM, supporting missions including border security, maritime surveillance, law-enforcement support, and search-and-rescue (SAR) operations across the Central Mediterranean.
The additional aircraft is expected to enhance operational availability and sustainment as regional demands continue to increase. Leonardo Helicopters, a long-standing partner of the AFM, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Malta’s ongoing aviation modernisation efforts.
Malta received its first AW139 in June 2014, replacing the Aérospatiale SA 316B Alouette III. The AW139 fleet is configured for search-and-rescue operations and equipped with a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) system, search and weather radar, cabin mission console, naval transponder, searchlight, satellite communications, a four-axis autopilot with SAR modes, an external rescue hoist, and a four-bag flotation system for ditching emergencies.
An Armed Forces of Malta spokesperson said the acquisition forms part of the ongoing standardisation of the Air Wing’s helicopter fleet. “The AW139 helicopters play a vital role in border control, surveillance, maritime law enforcement, and search-and-rescue operations. The addition of a fourth aircraft will enable the Air Wing to better sustain these diverse roles and maintain the continuous operational momentum required to ensure security and safety in the Central Mediterranean”
The new helicopter will complement the three AW139s already in service, supporting fleet standardisation and further strengthening the AFM’s operational capability.
The AW139 remains a core platform for the AFM, supporting missions including border security, maritime surveillance, law-enforcement support, and search-and-rescue (SAR) operations across the Central Mediterranean.
The additional aircraft is expected to enhance operational availability and sustainment as regional demands continue to increase. Leonardo Helicopters, a long-standing partner of the AFM, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Malta’s ongoing aviation modernisation efforts.
Malta received its first AW139 in June 2014, replacing the Aérospatiale SA 316B Alouette III. The AW139 fleet is configured for search-and-rescue operations and equipped with a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) system, search and weather radar, cabin mission console, naval transponder, searchlight, satellite communications, a four-axis autopilot with SAR modes, an external rescue hoist, and a four-bag flotation system for ditching emergencies.
An Armed Forces of Malta spokesperson said the acquisition forms part of the ongoing standardisation of the Air Wing’s helicopter fleet. “The AW139 helicopters play a vital role in border control, surveillance, maritime law enforcement, and search-and-rescue operations. The addition of a fourth aircraft will enable the Air Wing to better sustain these diverse roles and maintain the continuous operational momentum required to ensure security and safety in the Central Mediterranean”
Malta Air Wing AW139 helicopter
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AW139M in
Forzi Armati ta' Malta 
