Somalia–Turkey Air Force Collaboration
Turkey has played a pivotal role in strengthening Somalia’s air force capacity, spanning training, equipment delivery, and strategic cooperation. This long‑term engagement aims to help Somalia rebuild its air capability, combat al‑Shabab insurgency, and assert sovereignty over its territorial waters.
Turkish‑Led Training at Camp TURKSOM
- At the heart of the partnership is Camp TURKSOM, a Turkish‑run military base in Mogadishu that also serves as a Defence University and training hub. It has trained thousands of Somali soldiers—from officers to non‑commissioned cadres—under the “African Eagle” mission framework. As of 2023, nearly 5,000 Somali trainees had graduated from courses lasting up to two years for officers and one year for NCOs .
- Although the camp predates 2021, its influence on aviation training became clearer when Somali air force pilots were among those sent to Turkey for instruction, as Somalia lacked operational aircraft and maintenance systems domestically .
UAVs: From Bayraktar TB2 to Akinci
- Turkey began supplying Bayraktar TB2 drones to Somali forces reportedly from late 2021 into 2022. Initially these were operated by Turkish personnel in Somalia, primarily for ISR support in counter-terror efforts. Later, Somali troops gradually assumed greater operational control, enabling strikes against Al‑Shabab around Mogadishu and beyond .
- In March 2025, Somalia received Bayraktar Akinci UCAVs, offering enhanced payload and longer endurance. These drones significantly elevate Somali surveillance and precision strike capacity.
Combat Helicopters and Pilot Training
- A significant milestone was the March and June 2025 delivery of T‑129 ATAK attack helicopters to Somalia (three units each), along with two support helicopters for naval use. These were part of a formal bilateral defense agreement signed in February 2024 to enhance Somali air combat and maritime security capabilities .
- Somali pilots completed their T‑129 flight and operational training in Turkey before the helicopters arrived. Turkish advisors then supervised test flights at Camp TURKSOM, ensuring integration into Somali missions. Shortly thereafter, these helicopters conducted their first combat sorties targeting al‑Shabab positions—Somalia’s first dedicated attack helicopters in over thirty years .
Institutional Growth and Sovereign Independence
- Turkey’s commitment goes beyond equipment. The 2024 bilateral agreement funded training for Somali pilots, ground crews, and advisors, supporting development of Somalia’s domestic air command and maintenance architecture. Turkish technicians work alongside Somali personnel to sustain operational readiness and support recurring air missions—especially against insurgent threats .
- This support aligns with Somalia’s ambition to take full responsibility for maritime and territorial defense—particularly significant since the UN lifted its arms embargo in late 2020. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud explicitly identified Turkey as the optimal partner in helping build national air/naval capacity, citing past limitations and the need for technological assistance.
Anti‑Terrorism Integration: Air Assets in Action
- Combined Turkish‑Somali efforts have centered on counter‑terror capacity building. The Gorgor commando brigade and Haramcad special police units—elite personnel extensively trained at Camp TURKSOM—work in concert with Somali air assets. Turkish-trained commando units receive close air support from both drone and helicopter systems, creating integrated air–ground mission profiles .
- Since 2022, drone strikes against al‑Shabab have increased, enabling Somali national forces to reclaim territory. As U.S. support to Somalia’s Danab counter‑terror brigade declined, Turkey significantly boosted air support—filling a strategic gap in aerial ISR and strike capabilities .
Broader Strategic Engagement and Military Footprint
- Turkey’s role extends beyond Somalia’s air wing. Approximately 500 Turkish soldiers are now stationed at the training base, protecting Turkish facilities and assisting in operations around drones and helicopters. The Turkish Parliament’s approval in mid‑2024 permitted further troop deployment to help scale security operations in Mogadishu and major military infrastructure alongside Somali forces .
- These deployments are part of a ten‑year defense pact signed in early 2024, symbolizing long‑term Turkish commitment toward Somalia’s military modernization—particularly aviation and maritime defense synergy to secure coastal zones from external threats .
