The Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) has accepted its fourth Beechcraft King Air aircraft, following completion of assembly and successful flight testing at Textron Aviation’s facilities in Wichita, Kansas.
The King Air 360ER, which is factory-new aircraft was procured by Malta under a 2025 contract. It will support the AFM’s maritime patrol operations in the central Mediterranean, adding to the country’s King Air fleet and maintaining consistency across its aircraft inventory.
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
After leaving Wichita, it was delivered to Aerodata in Braunschweig, Germany, where it will undergo a comprehensive programme of mission-specific modifications.
Aerodata will equip the platform with advanced surveillance and mission systems, adapting the aircraft for maritime patrol, border security, search and rescue, and law enforcement roles, according to both organisations.
These modifications will include systems integration, certification, and testing based on AFM’s operational requirements.
Once this process is complete, the aircraft is expected to enter formal service with the Armed Forces of Malta in 2027.
The Beechcraft King Air series has been in production since 1964, with more than 7,900 aircraft delivered and over 66 million flight hours accumulated globally.
The King Air 360ER, an extended-range variant of the King Air 360, features increased fuel capacity, higher payload, and longer range to enable long-distance and mission-specific operations. It is powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-60A engines and incorporates Pro Line Fusion avionics.
Textron Aviation special missions sales vice president Bob Gibbs said: “The Beechcraft King Air 360ER is exceptionally well suited for maritime patrol missions, offering the range, endurance and reliability required to operate across the central Mediterranean.
“We are proud to continue our long-standing relationship with the Armed Forces of Malta and to support their mission with another proven King Air platform.”
