Malta participated in this project in 2006 under the ARGO Specific Action. This project was carried out by the Armed Forces of Malta and its aim was to improve the management of control and surveillance tasks at sea, land and air external borders with a view to enhancing the security as well as the flows of bona fide persons. This also served to address the structural weaknesses that presently exist in the major route of irregular immigration between the African continent and Europe and which, over the past five years, has experienced a sudden and unprecedented influx of irregular migrants. The increase in the number of boat arrivals has thus led to financial pressures in terms of addressing the fuel and operational costs used to run the aircraft and maritime vessels during such operations.

The project has thus somewhat alleviated these financial burdens, ensured the proper and adequate maintenance of the vessels and aircraft in question as well as ensured their sustainability.

The total cost of the project amounted to about 500,160 euros, with a total European Union co-financing of around 288,000 euros.