List of US Military Bases around the World

Discover the complete list of US military bases around the world in 2025, categorized by region and country. Learn about their strategic roles, major installations, and America's global military footprint. Check List of US Military Bases around the World here.

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The United States maintains the largest network of overseas military bases globally, giving it unmatched global reach and power projection. With over 750 military installations in more than 80 countries and territories, these bases enable the U.S. to deter threats, support allies, conduct military operations, and respond swiftly to global crises.

This article offers a comprehensive list of US military bases around the world, categorized by continent and key strategic locations.

How Many US Military Bases Are There Globally?

According to the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Congressional Research Service (CRS):

As of 2025, there are 750+ US military bases worldwide
They are spread across every inhabited continent
These bases house around 173,000 active-duty personnel overseas

Regional Distribution of US Military Bases around the World

North America

While most bases in North America are located within the United States, the U.S. also operates military installations in:

Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, Cuba
NORAD facilities in Canada (binational operations)
Puerto Rico (as a US territory, it hosts multiple Coast Guard and Army facilities)

Europe

Europe is a major hub for US military operations under NATO.

Base Name	Country	Function
Ramstein Air Base	Germany	Largest US Air Force base in Europe
USAG Stuttgart	Germany	AFRICOM and EUCOM HQ
Lajes Field	Portugal (Azores)	Transatlantic refueling & logistics
RAF Lakenheath	United Kingdom	Home to F-35A Lightning II fighters
Aviano Air Base	Italy	NATO operations & quick response
Camp Bondsteel	Kosovo	Peacekeeping base

Asia-Pacific

The Indo-Pacific region has a dense network of strategic US bases for China containment and Pacific security.

Base Name	Country/Territory	Function
Camp Humphreys	South Korea	Largest US base overseas
Osan Air Base	South Korea	Air operations and missile defense
Yokota Air Base	Japan	USAF command HQ for East Asia
Kadena Air Base	Japan (Okinawa)	Major Pacific airbase
Andersen Air Force Base	Guam (US territory)	Bomber deployment base
Naval Base Guam	Guam	Strategic submarine and aircraft carrier hub
Diego Garcia	British Territory	Indian Ocean bomber and logistics base

US Military Bases in Middle East

Key for energy security and counterterrorism operations, Middle East bases support operations in Iran, Syria, and Iraq.

Base Name	Country	Function
Al Udeid Air Base	Qatar	CENTCOM Forward HQ, aerial refueling hub
Naval Support Activity	Bahrain	Home to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet
Prince Sultan Air Base	Saudi Arabia	Missile defense and strike capability
Al Dhafra Air Base	UAE	ISR and drone operations
Erbil & Al Asad Bases	Iraq	Support for anti-ISIS & coalition training
Muwaffaq al Salti AB	Jordan	Combat air operations

Africa

Although the U.S. has fewer permanent bases in Africa, it operates drone hubs and training facilities to counter extremist groups.

Base Name	Country	Function
Camp Lemonnier	Djibouti	Key AFRICOM base, drone and air operations
Air Base 201	Niger	Drone operations and surveillance
Cooperative Security Sites	Kenya, Somalia	Counterterrorism training & joint ops

South America

The US presence in Latin America is limited and largely focused on drug interdiction and humanitarian missions.

Base Name	Country	Function
Soto Cano Air Base	Honduras	Anti-drug and disaster response hub
FOLs (Forward Operating Locations)	Aruba, Curaçao, El Salvador	Counter-narcotics air operations

Oceania

These bases help secure maritime routes in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Base Name	Country	Function
Naval Base Pearl Harbor	Hawaii (US state)	Indo-Pacific naval command hub
Pine Gap (Joint Facility)	Australia	Satellite tracking and signals intelligence
USMC Base	Darwin, Australia	Marine rotational force base

Strategic Importance of US Global Bases

Deterrence: Counter Iran, North Korea, Russia, and China
Power Projection: Rapid deployment capability anywhere in the world
Alliance Building: Joint exercises with NATO, Indo-Pacific, and Gulf allies
Intelligence & Surveillance: ISR aircraft, drones, satellites, and radar installations
Logistics Support: Mid-route fueling, ship repair, airlift operations

Quick Stats – US Military Base Network (2025)

Region	Approx. Bases	Key Host Countries
Europe	80+	Germany, Italy, UK, Poland
Asia-Pacific	100+	Japan, South Korea, Guam, Australia
Middle East	60+	Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq, Saudi Arabia
Africa	15+	Djibouti, Niger, Kenya, Somalia
South America	10+	Honduras, Aruba, El Salvador
North America	5+ (outside US)	Canada, Cuba (Guantanamo), Puerto Rico
Oceania	5+	Australia, Guam, Hawaii (US state)

Conclusion

The global presence of U.S. military bases reflects Washington’s commitment to global security, rapid response, and alliance support. These installations—ranging from massive air bases to covert intelligence hubs—form the backbone of American military dominance in the 21st century.

As global tensions continue to rise, especially in the Indo-Pacific and the Middle East, these bases will play a pivotal role in shaping world affairs.