The Maritime Squadron of the Armed Forces of Malta (Maltese: Skwadra Marittima tal-Forzi Armati ta' Malta) is the naval component of the 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.

The Armed Forces of Malta (Maltese: Forzi Armati ta' Malta) is the name given to 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.

The navy of the Order of Saint John, also known as the Maltese Navy after 1530, was the first navy of a chivalric order. It was established in the Middle Ages, around the late 12th century. The navy reached its peak in the 1680s, during the reign of Grand Master Gregorio Carafa. [1]

This Navy blue Battle Dress Uniform is worn by all Maritime Squadron serving members both at sea and on shore. Members vary from shore support tradesmen to different specialisations onboard patrol vessels.

Although hostilities did not reach Malta during the First World War, the Royal Navy played a very important role in Malta. British and ships of allied navies arrived for coaling, supplies, troop movements, as well as to bring the wounded from the Dardanelles and other theatres of the war.

The Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) is Malta’s military organisation tasked with primary defence functions and safeguarding national sovereignty and interest, both in peacetime and in crisis.

Surveillance and protection of Malta’s maritime borders; Suppression of illegal activities at sea such as smuggling and trafficking; General maritime law enforcement;

The year 1979 is an important milestone in Maltese history when Britain’s military connection to Malta came to an end. British forces representing NATO left the island when their contract for the use of Malta as a military base ended.

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.

On February 27, 2021, Italian shipbuilder Cantiere Navale Vittoria SpA located near Venice, launched the offshore patrol vessel P 71 for the armed forces of Malta.