List of countries with overseas military bases

List of countries with overseas military bases

This is a list of countries with overseas military bases.

Background

List of countries with overseas military bases

The establishment of military bases abroad enables a country to project power, e.g., to conduct expeditionary warfare, to influence events abroad. Depending on their size and infrastructure, they can be staging areas or for logistical, communications, and intelligence support. Many conflicts throughout modern history have resulted in overseas military bases being established in large numbers by world powers. These bases have helped them to achieve political and military goals.

At one time, the establishment of coaling stations for naval ships was important. The United Kingdom and other colonial powers established overseas military bases in many of their colonies during the First and Second World Wars. During the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union established military bases within their respective spheres of influence.

The war on terror has resulted in overseas military bases being established in the Middle East. While the overall number of overseas military bases has fallen since 1945, the United States, Turkey, the United Kingdom, Russia, India, and France still possess or utilize a substantial number of them. Smaller numbers of overseas military bases are operated by China, Iran, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.

The United States is the largest operator of military bases abroad, with 38 "named bases" with active duty, national guard, reserve, or civilian personnel as of September 2014. Its largest, in terms of personnel, was Ramstein AB in Germany, with almost 9,200 personnel.

Australia

List of countries with overseas military bases

<table><thead><tr><th>Country</th><th>Location</th><th>Details</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Malaysia</td><td>Butterworth Air Base</td><td>Used by Australia's Commitment to the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA). The Australian Army maintains an infantry designated company (Rifle Company Butterworth) at Butterworth, Malaysia for training purposes.</td></tr><tr><td>United Arab Emirates</td><td>Al Minhad Air Base</td><td>Supports Australian operations in the Middle East.</td></tr><tr><td>Philippines</td><td>TBD</td><td>In 2025, Australia was granted access to a number of Filipino bases under an upcoming cooperation agreement.</td></tr><tr><td> Papua New Guinea</td><td>Lombrum Naval Base and others to be decided under the Pukpuk treaty.</td><td>Under expansion. The Pukpuk treaty signed in 2025 will give Australia 'unimpeded access' to several PNG bases.</td></tr><tr><td>Singapore</td><td>TBD</td><td>Mentioned by Singapore PM Lawrence Wong in September 2025.</td></tr></tbody></table>

Bangladesh

List of countries with overseas military bases

Country	Details
Kuwait	A Bangladeshi military contingent (BMC) has resided in Kuwait since the end of the 1991 Gulf War to assist the Kuwait Armed Forces in logistics and other sectors under a bilateral agreement.

China

List of countries with overseas military bases

<table><thead><tr><th>Country</th><th>Location</th><th>Details</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Cambodia</td><td>Preah Sihanouk province</td><td>China-funded expansions at the Ream Naval Base have been characterized by some as a base for the People's Liberation Army Navy but disputed by others. Cambodia's government emphasizes that the naval base is under Cambodian control.</td></tr><tr><td>Djibouti</td><td>Djibouti City</td><td>People's Liberation Army Support Base, officially China's only overseas military base as of 2024.</td></tr><tr><td>Tajikistan</td><td>Gorno-Badakhshan</td><td>The Chinese and Tajik governments deny the existence of one base, while the other was under construction as of 2024. China funds but does not directly own the bases. According to reports they are intended to support joint operations in response to the security situation in Afghanistan.</td></tr></tbody></table>

France

List of countries with overseas military bases

Country	Location	Details
Germany		French Forces and Civilian Elements stationed in Germany (FFECSA)
Djibouti	Djibouti	French forces in Djibouti.
Gabon		French elements in Gabon (EFG).
United Arab Emirates		Naval base in Abu Dhabi.

Germany

List of countries with overseas military bases

Country	Location	Details
France	Illkirch-Graffenstaden	Light Infantry Battalion 291, part of the Franco-German Brigade
Lithuania	Rūdninkai Training Area	Lithuanian military facility which, from 2025 onwards, will host 45th Panzer Brigade (Bundeswehr)

Greece

List of countries with overseas military bases

Country	Location	Details
Cyprus	Nicosia	Hellenic Force in Cyprus.

India

List of countries with overseas military bases

Country	Location	Details
Bhutan	Haa and Thimphu	The Indian Military Training Team (IMTRAT) is permanently stationed in western Bhutan. The Indian Army also maintains a detachment in the capital city of Thimphu.
Madagascar	Madagascar	A listening post and a radar facility in northern Madagascar.
Oman	Ras al Hadd and Muscat	A listening post and berthing rights for the Indian Navy.
Mauritius	Agaléga	In 2022, India was funding the construction of a 3,000 m long airfield with associated facilities to house troops. India and Mauritius have agreed on setting up a satellite tracking station in Chagos Islands near a US-UK strategic base, Diego Garcia.
Seychelles	Mahe, Alphonse, Farquhar, Astove and Assumption Island	In 2022, the Indian government supported the construction of six coastal surveillance radars, which are linked to the Indian surveillance system.
Sri Lanka		India has installed a network of Coastal Surveillance Radars (CSR) in Sri Lanka to enhance maritime domain awareness and security in the Indian Ocean region.
Nepal	Surkhet	The Indian Air Force maintains a presence at Surkhet in Nepal to monitor aerial threats and bolster strategic cooperation.

Israel

List of countries with overseas military bases

Country	Location	Details
Syria	Machne Yarden, Camp Filon and Camp Yitzhak	Israeli-occupied territories in the Golan Heights.
Ten bases in Quneitra and Daraa governorates	Israeli invasion of Syria (2024–present).
Azerbaijan	Sitalchay Military Airbase	Alleged use by the Israeli Air Force since 2012, including potential transfer of helicopter search and rescue and F-35 fighter jet units. Denied by Azerbaijan and Israel.

Italy

List of countries with overseas military bases

Country	Location	Details
Djibouti	Djibouti City	National Military Support Base.
Niger	Diori Hamani International Airport	Bilateral Support Mission in Niger

Japan

List of countries with overseas military bases

Country	Location	Details
Djibouti	Ambouli	Japan Self-Defense Force Base Djibouti.

Pakistan

List of countries with overseas military bases

Country	Location	Details
Saudi Arabia	Tabuk	180 personnel and other bases in permanent training and advisory roles, under a 1982 agreement.

Poland

List of countries with overseas military bases

Country	Location	Details
Bosnia and Herzegovina	Doboj, Sarajevo, Tuzla	60 soldiers and personnel providing training and advice within the EUFOR Althea mission.
Italy	Naval Air Station Sigonella	An 80 personnel of air team consisting an M28B R1 Bryza aircraft serving under the operation Irini.
Kosovo	Camp Novo Selo	250 soldiers with in maneuver company and liaison and monitoring team and national support element as part of the mission KFOR.
Latvia	Ādaži	320 personel with of tank company.
Romania	Craiova	A 300 personel with motorized infantry company consisting and national support element.
Turkey	Incirlik Air Base	95 personel and four TB2 drones serving as part of the Tailored Assurance Measures Turkey mission.

Russia

List of countries with overseas military bases

<table><thead><tr><th>Country</th><th>Location</th><th>Details</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Armenia</td><td>Gyumri</td><td>102nd Military Base and 3624th Airbase</td></tr><tr><td>Belarus</td><td>Baranavichy and Vileyka</td><td>Hantsavichy Radar Station, Vileyka naval communication centre</td></tr><tr><td>Burkina Faso</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Central African Republic</td><td></td><td>Joint Russo-CAR training base in Berengo</td></tr><tr><td>Georgia</td><td></td><td>4th Military Base and 7th Military Base in the Russian-occupied regions of disputed South Ossetia and Abkhazia</td></tr><tr><td>Kazakhstan</td><td>Sary Shagan range, Baikonur Cosmodrome</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Kyrgyzstan</td><td>Kant Air Base</td><td>338th naval communication centre, 954th torpedo testing range and a seismograph</td></tr><tr><td>Mali</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Moldova</td><td>Cobasna</td><td>A sizeable military force in the unrecognised state of Transnistria. These forces guard Cobasna ammunition depot.</td></tr><tr><td>Niger</td><td></td><td>Russian forces were moved into bases currently used by U.S. forces after the military took control of Niger during the 2023 Nigerien coup d'état.</td></tr><tr><td>Syria</td><td>Khmeimim Air Base</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Tajikistan</td><td>Dushanbe</td><td>201st Military Base</td></tr></tbody></table>

Singapore

List of countries with overseas military bases

Country/Territory	Location	Details
Brunei	Jalan Aman Camp
Thailand	Sai Yok Camp

Turkey

List of countries with overseas military bases

Countries with Turkish military bases

<table><thead><tr><th>Country</th><th>Location</th><th>Details</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Albania</td><td>Pasha Liman Base</td><td>24 troops and 2 frigates. An Albanian-Turkish military cooperation agreement was signed in 1992 that encompassed rebuilding Albania's Pasha Liman Base by Turkey alongside granted access for Turkish use.</td></tr><tr><td> Bosnia and Herzegovina</td><td>Fatih Sultan Mehmet Barracks</td><td>Under EUROFOR Operation Althea 242 troops, previously under Implementation Force and Stabilisation Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina stationed at Mehmet The Conqueror Barracks.</td></tr><tr><td>Chad</td><td>Abeche and Faya-Largeau base.</td><td>The Turkish Armed Forces will receive two military bases in Chad, near the borders with Libya and Sudan.</td></tr><tr><td>Cyprus</td><td>Northern Cyprus</td><td>A total of 35,000 to 40,000 armed forces of Turkey are currently on active duty Cyprus Turkish Peace Force Command in the de facto state Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.</td></tr><tr><td>Iraq</td><td>Disputed territories of northern Iraq: Bashiqa and Bamarni Air Base</td><td>Turkey has signed agreement with Iraq which includes allowing the Turkish army to pursue elements of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in northern Iraq, with the permission of, and in coordination with the Federal Government of Iraq. It also includes opening two liaison offices between Baghdad and Ankara to exchange intelligence and security information between the two countries. As of 2020, Turkey has a military base with 2,000 personnel garrisoned with around 60 tanks, Armoured personnel carriers and one commando battalion. Turkey has more than 40+ military and intelligence bases scattered all around Iraq, the most out of any country. There are plans to build a new base in the Metina area of Duhok governorate in Iraqi Kurdistan Region as of April 2021. In total, Turkey has stationed around 5,000 to 10,000 soldiers in Iraq.</td></tr><tr><td>Kosovo</td><td>Prizren: Sultan Murat Kışlası, Mamusha</td><td>An estimated 321 troops serve in the Kosovo Security Battalion command for UNMIK mission and KFOR peacekeeping force's.</td></tr><tr><td>Libya</td><td>Tripolitania: al-Watiya, Mitiga, Misrata and Zwara</td><td>The number of Turkish soldiers stationed in Libya is unknown.</td></tr><tr><td>Qatar</td><td>Doha: Katar TSK Kara Unsur Komutanlığı</td><td>5,000 personnel.</td></tr><tr><td>Somalia</td><td>Mogadishu: Camp TURKSOM</td><td>2,000 personnel.</td></tr><tr><td>Sudan</td><td>Suakin, Khartoum</td><td>On 17 January 2018, as part of a rapprochement with Sudan, Turkey was granted a 99-year lease over Suakin island. Turkey plans to restore the ruined Ottoman port city on the island.</td></tr><tr><td>Syria</td><td>Turkish army of northern Syria: Al-Bab, Al-Rai, Akhtarin, Afrin, Jindires, Rajo and Jarablus</td><td>5,000 personnel in Euphrates Shield and Olive Branch regions. New bases were followed at south of Afrin canton in Atme and Darat Izza There are 114 Turkish bases in Syria as of January 2022. After operation Peace Spring, approximately 6,400 personnel are working around the Peace Spring region between Ras al-Ayn and Tell Abyad. 19 observation points are settled around Idlib and Aleppo Province. Altogether, there are an estimated 10,500 Turkish soldiers and 250 tanks stationed in Turkish existence of northern Syria. These numbers are constantly subject to modifications.</td></tr></tbody></table>

United Arab Emirates

List of countries with overseas military bases

Country	Location	Details
Libya	Al-Khadim Airport near Marj.	A forward operating base

United Kingdom

List of countries with overseas military bases

The United Kingdom has thirteen overseas military bases.

Country	Location	Details
Belize	Price Barracks, Ladyville	British Army Training and Support Unit Belize
Bahrain	Mina Salman	United Kingdom Naval Support Facility
Brunei	Seria	British Forces Brunei
Canada	CFB Suffield	British Army Training Unit Suffield
Cyprus	Troodos Station	British Forces Cyprus
Germany	Westfalen Garrison	British Army Germany
Kenya	Nanyuki	British Army Training Unit Kenya
Nepal	Pokhara Camp, Dharan Station	British Gurkhas Nepal
Norway	Bardufoss Air Station and Camp Viking	Camp Viking opened in 2023.
Oman	Duqm	Omani-British Joint Training Area and the UK Joint Logistics Support Base
Qatar	RAF Al Udeid
Singapore	Sembawang Naval Base	British Defence Singapore Support Unit
United Arab Emirates	Al Minhad Air Base	Donnelly Lines

United States

List of countries with overseas military bases

Foreign bases of the United States

The U.S. military maintains hundreds of military installations, both inside the United States and overseas, with at least 128 military bases in 55 countries and territories, as of February 2025. Some American bases are also NATO-led with forces from multiple countries. Camp Humphreys in South Korea is the largest overseas base in terms of area. Most of these foreign military installations are located in NATO countries, Middle East countries, South Korea and Japan.

Africa

Country	Location	Details
Cameroon	Cameroonian Air Force Base 301, Contingency Location Garoua	The base is used to support military operations against Boko Haram. Approximately 200 personnel work at the site.
Djibouti	Camp Lemonnier, CSL Chabelley	Camp Lemonnier is the largest U.S. base in Africa with more than 4,000 military personnel.
Kenya	Camp Simba	Second largest U.S. base in Africa. Over 600 U.S. military personnel work at Camp Simba.
Seychelles	United States drone base in Seychelles	Surveillance of al-Shabaab over Somalia.
Somalia	Baledogle Airfield	Primarily used by the United States, AMISOM and the Somali National Army as a base for conducting counterinsurgency and drone operations in the country. Approximately 450 U.S. troops remain in Somalia as of July 2024.

Americas

<table><thead><tr><th>Country</th><th>Location</th><th>Details</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Aruba (Netherlands)</td><td>Queen Beatrix International Airport</td><td>Cooperative Security Location of U.S. Southern Command</td></tr><tr><td>Ascension Island (UK)</td><td>Ascension Island Auxiliary Airfield</td><td>The facility is home to a U.S. Space Force ground tracking station in support of the Eastern Range and rocket launches from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.</td></tr><tr><td>Bahamas</td><td>Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center</td><td>AUTEC is a laboratory that performs integrated three-dimensional hydrospace/aerospace trajectory measurements covering the entire spectrum of undersea simulated warfare. Its mission is to assist in establishing and maintaining the naval ability of the United States through testing, evaluation, and underwater research.</td></tr><tr><td>Canada</td><td>CFB North Bay</td><td>North Bay's air force base is the centre for the air defence of all of Canada and works in concert with the United States via NORAD for the air defence of the Canada-U.S. portion of the North American continent.</td></tr><tr><td>Cuba</td><td>Guantanamo Bay Naval Base</td><td>The military facility has over 8,500 U.S. sailors and Marines stationed there.</td></tr><tr><td>Curaçao (Netherlands)</td><td>Curaçao International Airport</td><td>U.S. Air Force Forward Operating Base</td></tr><tr><td>El Salvador</td><td>El Salvador International Airport</td><td>Cooperative Security Location of U.S. Southern Command</td></tr><tr><td>Greenland (Denmark)</td><td>Pituffik Space Base</td><td>Around 150 people are stationed at Pituffik. The U.S. Space Force's northernmost base, and the northernmost installation of the U.S. Armed Forces. The base is home to a substantial portion of the global network of missile warning sensors of Space Delta 4, and space surveillance and space control sensors of Space Delta 2, providing space awareness and advanced missile detection capabilities to North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the United States Space Force, and joint partners.</td></tr><tr><td>Honduras</td><td>Soto Cano Air Base</td><td>Soto Cano Air Base houses 1,200–1,500 U.S. troops and is also used by the Honduran Air Force academy.</td></tr></tbody></table>

Asia

<table><thead><tr><th>Country</th><th>Location</th><th>Details</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Bahrain</td><td>Naval Support Activity Bahrain; Isa Air Base</td><td>Naval Support Activity Bahrain is home to approximately 8,500 military personnel. The mission of NSA Bahrain is to provide Operational Support to U.S. and Coalition Forces operating throughout the United States Central Command area of responsibility.</td></tr><tr><td>British Indian Ocean Territory (UK)</td><td>Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia, Camp Thunder Cove</td><td>United States forces have used Diego Garcia since at least the mid-1960s, under lease from the United Kingdom. The island has port facilities and an airstrip capable of handling large aircraft. Currently, 1,700 military personnel reside there.</td></tr><tr><td>Iraq</td><td>Harir Air Base</td><td>As of 2026, less than 2000 U.S. soldiers are positioned in Iraq, almost all in a security cooperation basis.</td></tr><tr><td>Israel</td><td>Dimona Radar Facility</td><td>A radar facility near Dimona, owned and operated by the United States.</td></tr><tr><td>Japan</td><td>United States Forces Japan</td><td>There are 54,000 U.S. military personnel based in Japan – the highest number stationed anywhere overseas.</td></tr><tr><td>Jordan</td><td>Muwaffaq Salti Air Base</td><td>Jordan hosts about 3,000 American troops. Muwaffaq Salti Air Base is reported to host several MQ-9 Reaper drones, based on satellite imagery. The base is partly operated by the 407th Air Expeditionary Group.</td></tr><tr><td>Kuwait</td><td>Ali Al Salem Air Base; Camp Arifjan; Camp Buehring; Kuwait Naval Base</td><td>Approximately 13,500 U.S. forces are based in Kuwait, primarily at Camp Arifjan and Ali al-Salem Air Base.</td></tr><tr><td>Philippines</td><td>Antonio Bautista Air Base; Basa Air Base; Benito Ebuen Air Base; Fort Magsaysay; Lumbia Airport; Balabac Island; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz; Lal-lo Airport; Naval Base Camilo Osias</td><td>The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement allows US forces and contractors to operate out of agreed-upon Philippines bases. The first five listed were part of the initial agreement (2014), and the latter four were added in 2023.</td></tr><tr><td>Qatar</td><td>Al Udeid Air Base</td><td>Al Udeid Air Base is the biggest U.S. military installation in the Middle East and can house more than 10,000 U.S. troops.</td></tr><tr><td>Saudi Arabia</td><td>Prince Sultan Air Base</td><td>More than 2,700 U.S. forces are stationed at the Prince Sultan Air Base.</td></tr><tr><td>Singapore</td><td>Paya Lebar Air Base, Changi Naval Base, Changi Air Base</td><td>Singapore hosts more than 800 U.S. military personnel, civilians, and family members.</td></tr><tr><td>South Korea</td><td>United States Forces Korea</td><td>Approximately 28,500 U.S. troops are based in South Korea.</td></tr><tr><td>Syria</td><td>Several facilities in northern Syria, within U.S.-backed SDF territory</td><td>Approximately 900 U.S. troops remain in Syria.</td></tr><tr><td>Thailand</td><td>U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield</td><td>The extent of the US presence here is disputed, but according to Politico, the Pentagon rents space from a contractor at U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield, allowing officials to say there's no official "base."</td></tr><tr><td>United Arab Emirates</td><td>Al Dhafra Air Base</td><td>The UAE hosts 5,000 US military personnel at Al Dhafra Air Base.</td></tr></tbody></table>

Europe

Country	Location	Details
Albania	SOCEUR base under construction in Tirana
Belgium	Chièvres Air Base; Kleine Brogel Air Base
Bosnia and Herzegovina	NATO Headquarters Sarajevo
Bulgaria	Aitos Logistics Center; Bezmer Air Base; Graf Ignatievo Air Base; Novo Selo Range
Akrotiri and Dhekelia (UK)	RAF Akrotiri
Estonia	Ämari Air Base
Germany	U.S. Military Installations in Germany; Panzer Kaserne; Ramstein Air Base; Spangdahlem Air Base; Baumholder Army Post; Landstuhl Regional Medical Center; Sembach Army Post;
Greece	Alexandroupoli Army Base, Larisa Air Base, Araxos Air Base, Syros base, Souda Bay Naval Base
Iceland	Naval Air Station Keflavík
Italy	Caserma Ederle-Caserma Del Din; Darby Military Community; Naval Air Station Sigonella; Naval Support Activity Naples; Aviano Air Base
Kosovo	Camp Bondsteel
Lithuania	Camp Herkus, Pabradė
Netherlands	Volkel Air Base; USCG Activities Europe
Norway	Marine Corps garrison at Værnes Air Station
Poland	Camp Kościuszko; Powidz Air Base; Łask Air Base; NSF Redzikowo
Portugal	Lajes Field
Romania	Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base; Câmpia Turzii Air Base; Deveselu Military Base; Cincu Training Center
Spain	Morón Air Base; Naval Station Rota; Madrid Deep Space Communications Complex
Turkey	Incirlik Air Base, Izmir Air Station, Kürecik Radar Station, Ankara Support Facility
United Kingdom	RAF Alconbury; RAF Croughton; RAF Fairford; RAF Lakenheath; RAF Menwith Hill; RAF Mildenhall; RAF Welford

Oceania

Country	Location	Details
Australia	Pine Gap; Marine Rotational Force – Darwin;	Pine Gap is a massive computer complex with 38 radomes protecting radio dishes and operates with over 800 employees. The location is strategically significant because it controls United States spy satellites as they pass over one-third of the globe, including China, North Korea, the Asian parts of Russia, and the Middle East. Central Australia was chosen because it was too remote for spy ships passing in international waters to intercept its signals. One of its roles is to detect and geolocate the source of electronic signals, such as those emitted by mobile phones. This information is used by the US military to identify and geolocate targets of interest, which it can then attack using special forces or lethal unmanned drones, for example.
Marshall Islands	Kwajalein Airfield, Kwajalein Atoll	United States Army airfield, the entirety of Kwajalein Atoll is a military base.