*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media
(NSI News Source Info) VALLETTA, Malta - July 4, 2009: The construction of four patrol boats for the Armed Forces of Malta is well on schedule and they should be delivered in six months.
The AFM signed a contract with Austal Ships, a world leading manufacturer, following an international call for tenders, which included training sailors and engineers. This was the shipbuilder's first defence contract in Europe. 
One the four patrol boats being built for the Armed Forces of Malta in Western Australia. Photo: Austal Ships
The patrol boats, being constructed in Western Australia, are more than 20 metres long and reach a maximum speed of 26 knots.
Lieutenant Colonel Martin Sammut, the project's team leader, said the excellent relationship established with the shipbuilder promised the delivery of the best product in line with the agreed requirements.
The patrol boats are equipped with better communication and surveillance equipment when compared to the type installed in the vessels now in use by the armed forces. The boats include a rigid hull inflatable boat stowed and launched off a ramp on the main deck.
The squadron maintains the integration of the islands' territorial waters, combats drug trafficking, conducts illegal immigration and illegal fishing operations and operates a search and rescue service.
In all, the boats cost €9.6 million, but the government will only be forking out 25 per cent of the cost, the rest coming from the EU's External Borders Fund.
One the four patrol boats being built for the Armed Forces of Malta in Western Australia. Photo: Austal Ships
The patrol boats, being constructed in Western Australia, are more than 20 metres long and reach a maximum speed of 26 knots.
Lieutenant Colonel Martin Sammut, the project's team leader, said the excellent relationship established with the shipbuilder promised the delivery of the best product in line with the agreed requirements.
The patrol boats are equipped with better communication and surveillance equipment when compared to the type installed in the vessels now in use by the armed forces. The boats include a rigid hull inflatable boat stowed and launched off a ramp on the main deck.
The squadron maintains the integration of the islands' territorial waters, combats drug trafficking, conducts illegal immigration and illegal fishing operations and operates a search and rescue service.
In all, the boats cost €9.6 million, but the government will only be forking out 25 per cent of the cost, the rest coming from the EU's External Borders Fund.
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