In the past, we often thought that only Great Powers had enough budget to have military bases outside their borders. But did you know that today, many countries around the world have military bases abroad as well? For different reasons, such as international cooperation agreements, terrorism, regional cooperation, etc. Many of these countries are from Asia, which we will take a look at today.
Country 1 – India
India has more than five overseas military bases. The first is Farkhor Air Base in Tajikistan. India initially used Farkhor Air Base to deliver critical supplies to the anti-Taliban “Northern Alliance” in Afghanistan. Today, India and Tajikistan share the air base. One reason for India’s desire to maintain the air base may be that it is located just 20 kilometers from Kashmir. India also has a permanent base in Bhutan, where it trains Bhutanese soldiers under the “Indian Military Training Team” program. The base was established in 1961. In addition to the bases in these two countries, India also has radar bases in Madagascar, Oman and Mauritius.
"Su-25 and Su-30 aircraft at Farkhor Air Base, Tajikistan"
Country 2 – China
China has one overseas military base in Djibouti, Africa, and is operated by the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). The base is used for anti-piracy missions, evacuation of Chinese victims, support for UN peacekeeping operations, and intelligence gathering missions, as Djibouti also has bases from other nations, including France, Japan, and the United States. In terms of unofficial bases, China is thought to have a SIGINT or intelligence gathering base in Coco Island, Myanmar, a military base in Tajikistan, and a naval base in Cambodia. The existence of all three bases has been denied by the Chinese government.
" People's Liberation Army Navy base in Djibouti "
Country 3 – South Korea
With over 40 years of diplomatic relations, South Korea began sending military forces to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2011 at the request of the UAE government, requesting that South Korea help develop its military capabilities by using South Korea as a model for development. South Korea has a military unit operating in the UAE called the “Akh Unit” (Akh means brothers). The South Korean military base is located in the city of Sweihan in the northwest of the UAE.
"President Moon Jae-in visits Akh unit base in United Arab Emirates"
Country 4 – Japan
Like China, Japan has one overseas base in Djibouti, called “Chibuchi Kyo Uwakoku Ni Okeru Chieitai Kyoten.” It is used for anti-piracy missions in the Indian Ocean and serves as a center for evacuating Japanese civilians from dangerous areas in Africa.
"Ground Self-Defense Force soldiers and a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force P-3 reconnaissance aircraft at a Japanese base in Djibouti."
Country 5 – Singapore
Singapore is the only country out of the 10 ASEAN members to have overseas military bases. The first reason is that the country’s small size limits training areas. First is 130 Squadron based at the Royal Australian Air Force’s Base Pearce. Second is 126 Squadron based at Oakey Army Aviation Centre, the Australian Army’s military aviation hub. In Europe, Singapore has its own training bases in France, home to 150 Squadron based at the French Air Force’s Cazaux Air Base, and another at the Royal Thai Air Force’s Udon Thani Air Base. Singapore also has a training base in Brunei called Jalan Aman Camp, where the SAS conducts survival and jungle warfare courses. It is also thought to have a base in Taiwan, although details on those have not been released.
"Singapore Air Force M-346 trainer aircraft at the French Air Force's Cazaux air base."