<P> This article details the various overseas military bases of the United Kingdom . The maintenance of overseas military bases enables the United Kingdom to conduct expeditionary warfare . Bases tend to be located in areas of strategic or diplomatic importance, often acting as staging areas for the build up or resupply of military forces, as was seen during the 1982 Falklands War and the use of RAF Ascension Island . All of Britain's permanent military installations are located on British Overseas Territories (BOTs) or former colonies which retain close diplomatic ties with the United Kingdom . </P> <P> The United Kingdom is still considered and remains a global power even into the 21st century; this is evidenced through the nation's 15 overseas military bases, making it second only to the United States in terms of total overseas bases worldwide . Currently, there is also the possibility of an additional two new bases being built in Oman and the United Arab Emirates in the near future . Note that both the United Arab Emirates and Oman were once under British rule, showing the impact of colonialism and the British armed forces military presence across the globe, even into the 21st century . </P> <P> British military bases have been used by allies of the British, predominantly the United States . A number of military operations would not have been possible but for the British Indian Ocean Territories Island of Diego Garcia . A somewhat controversial base, used for major operations by the British and Americans during the Global War on Terror (2001 - present), Operation Granby (1991), (NATO) Operation Herrick (2001 - 2014), Operation Tellic (2003 - 2011), Operation Shader (2014 - present), Operation Desert Storm (1991), Operation Desert Fox (1998), Operation Enduring Freedom (2001 - 2014), Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003 - 2011), and (NATO) Operation Inherit resolve (2014 - present). No operations would have been possible without the' unsinkable aircraft carrier' known as Diego Garcia, possibly the most important overseas base to both British and American armed forces in the 21st century . </P>

How many foreign military bases does the uk have