UK army moving training camp from Canada to Oman

The British Army is leaving Canada after 50 years and moving its training camp to Oman.

The base in Alberta opened in 1972 and has trained thousands of soldiers in live firing exercises. The Ministry of Defence has said it will not close before 2023 as there are tank exercises already planned until then.

More than 1,000 vehicles, including tanks and helicopters, are regularly used by regiments for weeks at a time at the 2,700 kilometre-square base, the Telegraph reports. A small number would remain even if the bases are closed.

A move to Oman would allow the military to be located near allies and foes and increase the state of readiness.

The Telegraph reported that British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace is, this week, expected to announce the plans to move to Oman.

READ: Oman, US hold joint military exercise ‘Valley of Fire 2021’

Wallace visited Oman earlier this month in a visit that he said: “Presents an opportunity to see UK forces working hand in hand with our Omani partners across land, air and sea exercises, promoting stability and security in the region and confronting our shared threats.”

Oman has been designated as one of the Army’s Land Regional Hubs, as part of the Global Hub, the MoD has said.