Omani-British Joint Training Area
Omani-British Joint Training Area | |
---|---|
Part of Ras Madrakah Training Area | |
Duqm in Oman | |
Type | Training area |
Area | 4,000 square kilometres (1,500 sq mi)[1] |
Site information | |
Owner | Oman United Kingdom |
Operator | Royal Army of Oman British Army |
Site history | |
In use | 2019–present |
The Omani-British Joint Training Area is a
military training between Oman and the United Kingdom.[2] It is also used as a Land Regional Hub for expeditionary warfare by the British Army.[3]
Background
Options for a permanent training area were first discussed at ministerial level in 2015.
Oman and the UK have shared close cultural, economic and military ties since the
Sultan of Oman with significant British support. The 2019 JDA was considered by some foreign policy analysts to be an attempt by the then-terminally ill Sultan to make institutional arrangements which will outlast his reign and ensure close relations with the UK continue under his successor.[1] The agreement was also the result of intensifying British engagement in the wider region as the country sought to consolidate its global influence after leaving the European Union.[6] The two countries have previously engaged in large-scale military exercises — the largest being Exercise Saif Sareea, which was held in 1986, 2001 and 2018.[1]
History
The training area opened sometime during 2019.1st Armoured Infantry Brigade and supporting units, such as No. 659 Squadron AAC and was concluded a success.[8][9]
Located within the 4,000-square-kilometre (1,500 sq mi)Al Duqm Port & Drydock.[1]
In 2021, the British Army announced that its battlegroups would spend longer periods at the base to enhance regional deterrence and persistent presence.F-35B Lightning II strike aircraft.[12]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e Campbell-James, Jonathan (18 September 2020). "Britain in Oman: Washington's Strategic Partner". The Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
- ^ a b "UK and Oman sign historic Joint Defence Agreement". GOV.UK. 21 February 2019. Retrieved 18 September 2020.
- ^ a b c "British and Omani forces train to win on Exercise Khanjar Oman". British Army. 28 October 2021. Retrieved 28 October 2021.
- ^ "Defence Secretary visits Oman". GOV.UK. Retrieved 3 November 2020.
- ^ "UK cements position in Gulf with new joint base in Oman". GOV.UK. 5 November 2018. Retrieved 28 October 2021.
- ^ "New Duqm Base and Joint Training Area Form Key Aspects of Agreement". WarfareToday. 26 February 2019. Retrieved 18 September 2020.
- SIPRI. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
A new Omani– British Joint Training Area is due to open during 2019.
- ^ a b c "Oman provides challenging environment for British Army exercise". British Army. 12 March 2019. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
- ^ "Exercise KHANJAR OMAN 19". The Gurkha Brigade Association. 14 August 2019. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
- ^ "Challenger 2 MBT and Wildcat prove desert capability on Ex Khanjar Oman". British Army. 26 March 2019. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
- ^ "DSEI 2021: British Army battlegroups to dwell in Kenya and Oman". Janes Information Services. 15 September 2021. Retrieved 19 September 2021.
- ^ "Defence Secretary Visits Oman for Joint Exercises". GOV.UK. 5 November 2021. Retrieved 21 November 2021.