Momentum: Neutrality without military investment not enough

Momentum has called for increased investment in Malta’s defence and security capabilities, warning neutrality alone is not enough to shield the country from modern threats.

The appeal comes as Malta marks 47 years since the last British military vessel left the Grand Harbour, a milestone that led to the country adopting neutrality, later enshrined in the Constitution.

While expressing pride in that choice, Momentum said that in today’s context of global instability, neutrality must be backed by real capability.

“Neutrality without security is not a policy and does not guarantee protection from every threat we face,” the party said, citing remarks made in an opinion article on MaltaToday by former deputy commander of the Armed Forces of Malta David P. Attard, who noted that neutrality “does not eliminate risk… it simply defines our military alignment”.

Momentum pointed out that Malta’s defence spending remains among the lowest in the European Union as a share of GDP, with most of the limited budget going towards wages.

It said the Armed Forces of Malta are primarily geared towards civilian support roles, such as search and rescue and limited coastal patrol, and are facing operational challenges. These include the lack of active vessels such as the P71, which has been non-operational for the past four months, grounded helicopters, and outdated defence strategies.

Momentum election candidate Carmel Asciak said neutrality must be supported with tangible resources.

“Momentum cherishes Malta’s military neutrality, which is why we believe that this must be supported with real capability,” Asciak said. “Let’s work to ensure that the Armed Forces of Malta have the tools they need to maintain peace and stability on our land, air and sea.”

The party also referred to recent incidents near Maltese waters, including an attack on the Russian shadow fleet tanker Arctic Metagaz and a drone strike on a civilian vessel near Hurd’s Bank, saying these highlight Malta’s limited capacity to respond swiftly to potential security or environmental threats.

Momentum stressed that national security extends beyond traditional military assets, calling for greater investment in cybersecurity and the protection of critical infrastructure.

It warned of growing risks from cyberattacks, disinformation and threats to essential services such as energy, banking and communications, and called for strengthening the Critical Infrastructure Protection unit, which it said lacks sufficient workforce.

Momentum said Freedom Day should serve as a starting point for a national discussion on security and defence, ensuring that the independence achieved in 1979 is matched by the investment needed to safeguard it.