In this article, we look at the top five countries which have the most overseas military bases. You can read in detail about prominent US foreign military installations and Russia’s global power aspirations over the last few years by heading over to our article on 13 Countries With The Most Overseas Military Bases.
5. France
Overseas Military Bases: 5
France has had a history of colonial and cultural influence in Africa. According to Dr Bakary Sambe, the director of the Timbuktu Institute, the French consider West Africa and the Sahel as a “space of natural deployment and influence”. While the number of French installations have reduced in Africa in the last few decades, the BBC reports that thousands of troops are still deployed in military bases in Chad, Gabon, Djibouti, Senegal and Ivory Coast.
4. Russia
Overseas Military Bases: 12
Russia’s overseas military bases are a manifestation of its superpower ambitions. The country continues to maintain influence over its former Soviet era territories, and is vying for opportunities to create military potential in Asia and Africa. There are about 12 full-fledged military bases that Moscow operates in Georgia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Moldova and Syria. According to a report, Russia is also planning to build six military bases in African countries in the near future.
3. Saudi Arabia
Overseas Military Bases: 21
According to Brookings, Saudi Arabia has developed 20 military bases and outposts in Al Mahrah Governorate since the beginning of 2017 as part of the kingdom’s consolidation in Yemen’s strategic eastern regions. In 2021, Djibouti also reached an agreement with Riyadh to build a military base in the country, which is now operational. With at least 21 foreign military installations, Saudi Arabia in no time now finds itself among countries with the most overseas military bases.
2. United Kingdom
Overseas Military Bases: 60
Officially, the United Kingdom maintains 10 overseas military bases outside of national territory, in Cyprus, Gibraltar, Singapore, the South Atlantic Islands, and the British Indian Ocean Territory. A recent report, however, claimed that the UK operates about 60 military installations itself and maintains presence in 85 facilities that are run by its allies.
1. United States
Overseas Military Bases: 759
During its early years, the United States was a country that did not prefer to get involved in conflicts outside its borders. However, the two world wars drastically changed the country’s attitude towards having a global role, and now the US boasts being the country with the most overseas military bases in the world. With more than 750 bases across 80 countries, and about 175,000 troops stationed in 159 countries, the Americans always stay within striking distance of their rivals at all times, and that is what makes the US the most powerful country in the world.
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