The UK will expand its military presence in Bahrain with a $9.7m expansion of its maritime command in the capital, Manama, Gulf Daily News has reported.
The expansion includes a new, larger headquarters and facilities to provide engineering and logistics support for the four Royal Navy mine countermeasure vessels based in the kingdom.
The Middle East has the UK’s second largest Royal Navy presence, with 10 of its 32 warships and support vessels in the region.
The Bahraini headquarters leads Britain’s counter piracy and maritime anti-terrorism efforts in the region and has the capacity to oversee the operations of up to a third of all Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels.
Located next to the US Fifth Fleet Naval base, it is the second largest non-Bahraini military presence in Bahrain.
A contract for the expansion works was recently awarded to American International Contractors and construction is due to begin this year, with both buildings due to be completed by early 2015, a statement from the Permanent Joint Headquarters, the London-based organisation that plans and controls UK overseas military operations, said.
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