The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that three training exercises are planned at the UK Oman-based hub in the 2026-27 financial year, as the facility continues its transition into a broader tri-service site.
In a series of written answers to James Cartlidge MP, Defence Minister Al Carns set out exercise figures for the Land Regional Hub Oman, now known as Global Hub Oman (GHO). According to the data provided, three exercises are scheduled for 2026-27, compared with none in 2025-26 and one in 2024-25.
Looking further back, four exercises were held in 2023-24, two in both 2022-23 and 2021-22, and none in 2020-21 or 2019-20. One exercise took place in 2018-19, with none recorded in 2017-18 or 2016-17.
Carns noted that although originally established as an Army unit, the hub transitioned in October 2023 into Global Hub Oman, providing land, sea and air capabilities. The Ras Madrakah Training Area forms part of that wider GHO capability. On costs, the minister said forecast spending for 2025-26 to run the facility is approximately £11 million. Future costs remain under review as part of the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan, with further detail expected once that plan is published.
In response to a separate question, Carns confirmed that the Global Hub Oman has already facilitated uncrewed systems testing at Ras Madrakah, indicating that the site is being used for experimentation alongside conventional training activity.
Good. So HMG stating that they were reducing training beyond the ENATO area wasn’t a full pull out as some suggested.