Turkey to build new U.S.-Tunisian regional maritime training center in Bizerte.

According to information published by the US DoD on September 17, 2024, Turkish construction company Biltek secured a pivotal contract from the United States Department of Defense to develop a regional maritime center of excellence in Bizerte, Tunisia.
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La Goulette Naval Base in Tunis. (Picture source: Tunisian MOD)

This initiative is designed to modernize the training infrastructure of Tunisia’s armed forces, with a focus on strengthening the operational capabilities of the Tunisian Navy while fostering closer ties with the U.S., amid increasing regional maritime security challenges.

The planned center will be an advanced complex, equipped with facilities for training and instruction. It will feature a close-quarters combat site, two shooting ranges, an obstacle course, and a training tower. Additionally, the center will house sports infrastructure, including a gym and swimming pool, as well as a port and helipad. Administrative, academic, and logistical buildings will support the center’s role as a key hub for naval training in Africa.

Scheduled for completion within two years, the center's primary mission will be to train Tunisian naval commando units and serve as a venue for joint exercises with international partners. It also aims to host military trainees from other African and Arab countries, positioning Tunisia as a regional leader in military training.

US-Tunisia relations

Tunisia and the United States share a cooperative defense relationship that focuses on mutual interests such as regional security, counterterrorism, and military capacity building. This partnership involves collaborative efforts to combat extremist groups operating in North Africa and the Sahel region.

The United States provides Tunisia with military aid and assistance through programs like Foreign Military Financing, enabling Tunisia to acquire defense equipment and services essential for its security needs. Tunisian military personnel also participate in International Military Education and Training programs in the U.S.

In recognition of the strategic importance of their partnership, Tunisia was designated as a Major Non-NATO Ally by the United States in 2015. This designation grants Tunisia certain military and financial advantages.

Joint military exercises are a key component of their defense relationship. Tunisia participates in U.S.-led operations like African Lion.

Together, Tunisia and the United States address broader regional challenges, including the conflict in neighboring Libya and migration issues in the Mediterranean. Recent initiatives have focused on enhancing Tunisia's border security, particularly with Libya and Algeria, to prevent the movement of extremist elements.