Like in previous years, 2017 was a good year for Malta with respect to military aviation visits. Numerous interesting ferry stops were seen passing through Malta on their way to Asia, Africa and Middle East. In particular, the highlights which stand out are the pair of Mali Air Force Y12E Harbins and a Bangladesh Army Aviation Casa 295W.
Being also the year in which the Maltese EU presidency took over, we saw many military aviation visits related to various summits held in Malta, together with multiple naval visits that had multiple military helicopters on board. Other personal highlights included the diversion of two French Air Force Rafales and a C-135R, following technical issues experienced by their tanker as they were being escorted through Maltese airspace. Another welcome return was the frequent presence of US Navy P-8 Poseidons coming to Malta to perform circuit training.
A summary of military aviation movements passing through Malta in 2017 can be seen in the images below.
alistairzammitphotography.com 