Momentum calls for stronger investment in defence on Freedom Day

Today marks 47 years since the last British military vessel left the Grand Harbour. In the following years, Malta chose to be neutral and eventually enshrined that principle in our Constitution. Momentum is proud of that choice, but on this Freedom Day, in 2026, in a time of global upheaval, we understand that neutrality without security is not a policy and is not a guarantee that shields us from every threat we face. As a former deputy commander of the AFM recently said, “neutrality does not eliminate risk… It simply defines our military alignment.”

Malta’s defence spending remains among the lowest in the EU as a share of GDP, and the bulk of that already modest budget is consumed by wages. The Armed Forces of Malta are structured primarily around civilian support functions such as search and rescue and limited coastal patrol. They are further hampered by the lack of operational vessels such as the P71, which has remained moored for the past 4 months, non-operational helicopters, and out-of-date defence strategies.

Momentum election candidate Carmel Asciak says, “Momentum cherishes Malta’s military neutrality, which is why we believe that this must be supported with real capability. Let’s work to ensure that the AFM has the tools it needs to maintain peace and stability on our land, air and sea around us”.

The recent attack on the Russian shadow fleet tanker, Arctic Metagaz, close to our shores, as well as the drone attack on a civilian vessel near Hurd’s Bank, shows how we currently lack the investment needed to rapidly deal with such issues, let alone to manage a potential environmental or security fallout.

Malta’s security goes beyond ships, aircraft and personnel. It must also invest in digital protection, including cybersecurity. Cyberattacks, disinformation, and threats to critical infrastructure like energy, banking, and communications are growing risks. Malta must strengthen its capabilities, build expertise, and ensure preparedness across the public and private sectors. Momentum calls for stronger investment in the Critical Infrastructure Protection unit, which handles national threats but lacks a strong workforce.

Momentum believes that this Freedom Day should start a conversation about Malta’s security and defence, ensuring that the freedom won in 1979 is matched with the investment needed to defend .

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