In a significant strategic move, Turkey has positioned three F-16 fighter jets at Mogadishu’s international airport, marking a substantial escalation of its military and economic footprint in Somalia. This deployment, confirmed on Wednesday, follows months of construction activity at the airport where Turkish engineers have built new hangars and prepared facilities to host the advanced aircraft.
According to Somali officials and analysis of satellite imagery, the military buildup has been underway since at least September, supported by numerous Turkish cargo flights suspected of delivering essential spare parts and ammunition. While Turkey’s defense ministry declined specific commentary, ministry sources acknowledged maintaining an active air command presence in Somalia, emphasizing their role in enhancing Somalia’s counterterrorism capabilities through training and advisory support.
This military expansion directly supports Turkey’s broader economic ambitions in the region. Reliable sources indicate the fighter jet deployment precedes Ankara’s planned dispatch of an oil exploration platform to commence offshore drilling later this year. Concurrently, plans are advancing for a spaceport project in northern Mogadishu, signaling Turkey’s multidimensional investment strategy.
The timing of Turkey’s enhanced military presence coincides with growing regional tensions following Israel’s recent recognition of breakaway Somaliland. Ankara has explicitly reaffirmed its commitment to Somalia’s territorial integrity through formal statements from its National Security Council, the nation’s top defense oversight body.
Turkey’s deepening engagement extends beyond military cooperation. The recent appointment of Brigadier General Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud—a Turkish-educated officer with training at Turkey’s Defence University—as commander of Somalia’s National Army illustrates the extensive institutional ties between the nations.
This deployment builds upon Turkey’s established military assistance, which previously included armed drones and attack helicopters transferred to Somali forces. The comprehensive defense agreement signed in February 2024 further commits Turkey to assisting Somalia in establishing a naval force, with two utility helicopters already delivered to the Somali navy.
Since 2011, Turkey has invested heavily in Somalia’s infrastructure and humanitarian needs, constructing the world’s largest embassy in Mogadishu, providing over $1 billion in drought relief, and managing critical infrastructure including the city’s airport and port. The Turksom military base has trained approximately one-third of Somalia’s military personnel, cementing Turkey’s role as a primary security partner in the Horn of Africa.