Construction of Türkiye’s missile base in Somalia nears completion PHOTO

Türkiye is nearing completion of a missile launch facility in Somalia, a project that began in December 2024, according to Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud.

In an interview with Military Africa, Mahmoud highlighted that the base would bring economic benefits to Somalia, including job creation and increased revenue, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish press.

While the exact location of the facility remains undisclosed, Somalia’s strategic position near the equator and access to the Indian Ocean makes it an ideal launch site for missile and space operations.

This ambitious project aligns with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s two strategic goals: establishing Türkiye as a space power and expanding its influence in the Horn of Africa. Türkiye launched a ten-year space program in 2021, with key milestones including developing satellite systems and constructing a spaceport. Experts note that the missile facility is a critical step toward achieving these objectives.

Türkiye and Somalia’s partnership extends beyond this facility. Since 2017, the Turkish military has been training Somali soldiers at the TÜRKSOM camp, bolstering the country’s defence capabilities. Turkish Petroleum has also been granted exploration rights in Somalia’s territorial waters, while agreements have been reached to reconstruct and modernize the Somali Navy.

In addition, Türkiye has supported Somalia in the areas of health, education, energy, and infrastructure, strengthening bilateral ties. The missile base, however, represents a significant milestone in Türkiye’s broader ambitions, solidifying its role as an emerging regional and global power in both defence and space technology.

As Türkiye progresses toward becoming a spacefaring nation, its collaboration with Somalia highlights the potential for mutual economic and strategic growth. This development also underscores Türkiye’s readiness to challenge traditional superpowers in the global space race.

By Tamilla Hasanova