The U.S. Department of Defense announced Tuesday that Turkish construction company Biltek has been awarded a key U.S. Department of Defense contract to develop a regional maritime center of excellence in Bizerte, Tunisia.
This initiative aims to modernize the training infrastructure of the Tunisian Armed Forces, with a focus on strengthening the operational capabilities of the Tunisian Navy while fostering closer ties with the United States, amid growing regional maritime security challenges.
Defense industry news site Army Recognition says the center will be an advanced complex, equipped with facilities for training and instruction. It will include a close-quarters combat site, two firing ranges, an obstacle course, and a training tower. In addition, the center will house sports facilities, including a gymnasium and swimming pool, as well as a port and helipad. Administrative, academic, and logistics buildings will support the center’s role as a hub for naval training in Africa.
The center, which is expected to be completed within two years, will have as its primary mission to train Tunisian marine commandos and serve as a framework for joint exercises with international partners. It also aims to host military trainees from other African and Arab countries, thus positioning Tunisia as a regional leader in military training.
