Summary:

On Tuesday, 3 December 2024, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency made public State Department approval of the possible sale of 184 Javelin man-portable anti-armor missiles to Tunisia as well as 30 launchers. The Javelin system is a shoulder-fired missile system produced by Lockhead Martin and claims the capability to defeat all current and project armor units. 

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The sale included some aspects of ongoing support to the weapons system including logistics, maintenance training, and provision of a simulation system with a total cost of $107.7 million. 

Meanwhile, on 5 December, the Minister of National Defense, Khaled Sehili, discussed further support for military cooperation with the French Ambassador to Tunisia, Anne Gueguen. 

Sehili praised the level of cooperation, including logistical and technical support, joint exercises, exchanges of expertise and visits between the French and Tunisian militaries. He stressed the need to advance this strategic partnership via the Joint Military Committee meeting scheduled for January 2025. 

A month prior, representatives of NATO’s Defense and Security Cooperation Directorate agreed with Tunisian Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces to cooperate on developing the country’s military training institutions under NATO’s Defense Education Enhancement Program (DEEP).  

These developments come as Tunisia is preparing to participate together with Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco and France, Italy, Portugal, and Spain in the twentieth meeting of the “5+5 Defense initiative” which will be hosted in the Spanish capital on 12 December. 

Outlook: 

These latest developments reflect Tunisia’s regional importance for Western military agendas as it provides a strong partnership in the Mediterranean Region upon which the NATO community can build regional influence. 

Tunisia’s interest in developing military cooperation with Western partners stems from its intention to acquire military equipment and assistance addressing threats related to terrorism and transnational crimes.  

Securing updated equipment and training, and exchanging intelligence and best practices with reliable Western partners functions as a deterrent against armed groups in Libya and the Sahel who might otherwise encroach on Tunisa’s borders as has been threatened previously. 

However, Tunisia will need to manage internal critics as many observers are questioning the Defense Ministry’s latest moves because of the absence of parliamentary participation in the process. Some observers have questioned the utility of purchasing advanced missiles while the country is witnessing economic difficulties with major challenges in healthcare, education, and infrastructure.  

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