The United States maintains military bases in 55 countries, far outpacing any other nation in global military reach, according to new statistics published this week.
Russia and the United Kingdom follow distantly, each with military presence in 13 countries, while Türkiye ranks fourth with bases in 12 nations. India rounds out the top five, operating bases in six foreign countries.
The data highlights the strategic global footprint of traditional and emerging powers, amid rising geopolitical tensions and a shifting balance of military alliances. France, China, and Iran also maintain smaller networks, with bases in five, four, and three countries respectively.
Several countries — including Saudi Arabia, Australia, Germany, Italy, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates — each host military bases in two countries. Meanwhile, nations such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, Japan, Israel, and Greece maintain a presence in a single foreign country.
Analysts say the figures reflect not only defense strategies but also broader geopolitical ambitions and security partnerships.
In the Western Balkans, the United States maintains a significant military presence, most notably through Camp Bondsteel in Kosovo — one of the largest U.S. bases in Europe. The base plays a central role in NATO operations and regional stability missions. Other NATO allies, including the United Kingdom and Türkiye, also contribute troops and logistics to peacekeeping and training missions across the region, particularly in Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia.
Though the Western Balkans does not host a high number of individual national bases, the region remains a focal point for multilateral defense cooperation under NATO. The strategic location, combined with historical instability, ensures continued international military interest, especially as tensions in Eastern Europe and the Middle East persist.
The United States’ far-reaching presence remains rooted in its post-World War II alliances, with significant deployments in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. In contrast, China and India, while rising powers, are still developing their overseas military infrastructure.
