Tunisia: We are facing unconventional security threats

Tunisia’s defence budget dramatically increased following the revolution, the country’s Defence Minister Farhat Horchani said.

The 2010 defence budget was about $339 million while the 2017 budget is expected to reach $1 billion.

Horchani also told parliament on Thursday evening that this dramatic increase in the defence ministry’s budget is a result of the major changes in Tunisia after the revolution. This means that the military institution is facing a fragile and delicate situation and Tunisia is facing unconventional security threats that have become more severe due to the heated regional situation, especially in neighbouring Libya.

He stressed that combating terrorism and facing these changes requires enormous capabilities in order for the military institution to carry out its duties to the best of its ability.

Horchani noted that the military institution is investing in the intelligence, which is considered one of the most important means of combating terrorism. He also said that it is very important to equip the military with modern and advanced technology, which requires the formation of a new generation of troops experienced in such technology.