Imagine standing at the breakwater of Grand Harbour, the sun dipping below the Three Cities, casting a golden glow over the historic naval base. Now picture this: the Royal Navy’s HMS Daring docked here, a stark reminder of Malta’s strategic importance. But what if our defence capabilities couldn’t keep such a vessel afloat? That’s the worry of local think-tank Momentum, calling for increased defence spending to maintain our neutrality.

Malta’s neutrality is our shield, protecting us from the storms of international conflict. But it’s also a double-edged sword. While we’re not obligated to join military alliances, we’re also not guaranteed their protection. This leaves us vulnerable, especially in an era where great powers are flexing their muscles in our backyard.

Momentum’s report, ‘Securing Neutrality: A Case for Increased Defence Spending’, argues that our current defence expenditure isn’t keeping pace with the threats we face. In 2020, Malta spent just 0.9% of its GDP on defence, well below NATO’s recommended 2%.

In the digital age, warfare isn’t confined to the battlefield. Cyber threats are a real and present danger, yet our defence capabilities lag behind. Momentum suggests investing in cyber defence units and training, to protect our critical infrastructure and digital sovereignty.

Then there’s the migration crisis. Malta’s strategic location makes us a target for migrant boats. Our Armed Forces are stretched thin, patrolling our waters and rescuing migrants, often with little support from Europe. Momentum calls for more resources to manage these challenges, and for EU partners to step up and share the burden.

Momentum is quick to clarify that increased spending doesn’t mean militarising Malta. It’s about investing in our defence capabilities, so we can maintain our neutrality and protect our interests. This means modernising our Armed Forces, investing in training, and upgrading our equipment.

Consider the Italian Navy’s Vittorio Veneto, a state-of-the-art aircraft carrier that could dock in Grand Harbour. Could our Armed Forces handle such a vessel? Could we protect it? That’s the question Momentum is asking, and it’s one we all need to consider.

As we stand at the breakwater, watching the sun set over the Three Cities, let’s remember that our neutrality is our greatest asset. But it’s also our greatest responsibility. It’s time to invest in our defence, so we can continue to stand tall, independent and free.