Yes, Ark and a few SHAR could provide a good day time cover with Malta a secure rear area.
FYI Malta is a neutral country, humanitarian activities supported very strongly (as demonstrated recently), but not military action.
Have been waiting for this- no surprise there. From personal contacts there, I can say that plenty of Maltese are very pally with Libya, including some AFM officers. Many see (saw) Libya as a fruitful trading partner, beyond the trade already happening.
This is an insulting statement and the equivalent of saying many Brits are pally with Libya, because of the actions of HMG and the oil companies. Of course, the UK never saw Libya as a fruitful trading partner, did it?
I don't recall Malta releasing a convicted terrorist and I do remember Malta impounding 2 Mirages, even though many Maltese citizens were still awaiting evacuation and could have been held as hostages.
From a Brit living in Malta.