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United States–Tunisia Military Partnership

Tunisia has emerged as one of America’s closest security partners in North Africa, largely due to its role in counterterrorism operations against ISIS and al-Qaeda affiliates. Designated a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) in 2015, Tunisia hosts U.S. military training programs, special forces cooperation, and drone operations to secure its borders with Libya and Algeria. However, with Tunisia’s recent democratic backsliding, Washington faces growing concerns over the long-term stability of this crucial defense relationship.

History and Strategic Context

  • Early U.S.-Tunisia Relations (1956–1990s): After gaining independence from France in 1956, Tunisia aligned with the West but remained non-aligned during the Cold War. The U.S. provided economic and military aid, though Tunisia maintained limited defense cooperation.
  • Post-9/11 Counterterrorism Expansion (2001–2010s): After 9/11, Tunisia expanded counterterrorism collaboration with the U.S., focusing on intelligence-sharing and border security. Following Tunisia’s 2011 Arab Spring revolution, the U.S. increased military assistance to support Tunisia’s transition and counter extremism.
  • Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) Designation (2015): The U.S. designated Tunisia as an MNNA, granting it priority access to military financing, arms sales, and joint training programs.

Key Defense Agreements and Initiatives

  • U.S.-Tunisia Defense Cooperation Agreement (2015): Strengthens joint military training, intelligence-sharing, and security assistance. Expands U.S. support for Tunisia’s counterterrorism and border security efforts.
  • Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) Status (2015): Grants Tunisia access to U.S. military surplus equipment, counterterrorism funds, and defense technology.
  • Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and Defense Assistance: The U.S. has provided Tunisia with:
    • UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters for counterterrorism operations.
    • AT-6 Wolverine light attack aircraft for border security.
    • ScanEagle drones for surveillance and intelligence gathering.
    • Mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles for counterterrorism operations.
  • Joint Military Exercises and Training:
    • African Lion: U.S.-led multinational military exercises, focusing on counterterrorism and interoperability.
    • Phoenix Express: Naval drills in the Mediterranean, improving maritime security and counter-smuggling operations.
    • U.S. Special Operations Training: U.S. forces train Tunisia’s Army Special Forces and National Guard in urban warfare and counterinsurgency.

Key U.S. Military Cooperation Areas

  • Counterterrorism and Border Security: Supports Tunisia’s operations against ISIS and al-Qaeda-linked groups in the region. Enhances surveillance and intelligence-sharing to counter threats in Libya and the Sahel.
  • Maritime Security and Mediterranean Stability: U.S. assists Tunisia in monitoring and securing its coastline against human trafficking, arms smuggling, and illegal migration.
  • Cybersecurity and Defense Modernization: The U.S. collaborates with Tunisia on cyber defense and military technology upgrades.

Strategic Significance

  • North African Security Hub: Tunisia is a key U.S. partner in countering extremism and securing Mediterranean trade routes.
  • Deterring Foreign Influence: The partnership helps balance growing Russian and Chinese interests in North Africa.
  • Supporting Tunisia’s Military Modernization: U.S. assistance strengthens Tunisia’s ability to conduct independent counterterrorism and security operations.
  • Tunisia’s Major Non-NATO Ally Designation (2015)
  • African Lion Military Exercise
  • U.S.-Tunisia Military Assistance Overview