Military history was made yesterday as the army unveiled an aircraft, the first to be bought brand new and tailored to its requests.

The maritime patrol aircraft, a Hawker Beechcraft King Air, will enhance the Armed Forces of Malta’s capability in search and rescue operations. It is equipped with sophisticated search radar, infra-red equipment and communication facilities far superior to those the army has had until now.

All the army’s current and previous air assets had been bought or donated second-hand.

The twin-engine aircraft cost €9.6 million and was part-financed by the EU external borders fund. A second aircraft is expected to be commissioned next year.

It is faster and more comfortable for the five-member crew than the Islander aircraft currently used by the army. AFM personnel have been trained in Germany to use the aircraft and more will be trained over the next year.

The aircraft was inaugurated by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, who poured champagne over the aircraft’s nose in the presence of AFM commander Brigadier Martin Xuereb and soldiers from the army’s air wing.

In a short speech Brigadier Xuereb described the occasion as a historic day for the AFM. He said the delivery of the aircraft coincided with a delicate time for the region and Malta.

In a brief reference to the Libyan crisis, Dr Gonzi thanked the AFM for its service in helping with the evacuation of thousands of foreign nationals and the rescue of migrants escaping the North African state.

The AFM will build a new hangar for its Air Wing next year. The section operates three Alouette helicopters, two Islander aircraft and a number of Bulldog single-engine trainer aircraft.