Tunisian training area undergoing upgrade

A group of soldiers that includes at least one Libyan call in air support during Exercise ‘African Lion 2024' at Tunisia's Ben Ghilouf Training Area on 7 May. (US Army Southern European Task Force Africa)

The Tunisian Armed Forces' main training area at Ben Ghilouf is undergoing a major upgrade, according to plans posted on the US government's System for Award Management (SAM) website on 15 May.

The plans were attached to a solicitation from US Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command seeking a contractor for the third phase of the project, which covers the building of a new life support area (LSA) with seven barracks buildings that together can accommodate 630 people, two dining halls capable of seating 430 people at the same time, and two ablution blocks.

The plans also outlined the first two phases, which include a new range-operations centre, a replacement range overwatch tower, a canopy structure with seating and a terrain model for briefings, and a helicopter pad. The existing viewing stand and ablution building are also being improved. There is also a future plan for a second LSA of unspecified size and an urban combat training area.

The solicitation said contractors interested in the third phase need to respond by 20 May and the work is expected to be completed 675 calendar days after the contract is awarded.