Türkiye eyes spaceport in Somalia to boost missile, rocket testing

Türkiye is contemplating the establishment of a spaceport in Somalia to facilitate testing of ballistic missiles and space launch vehicles.

This proposed facility is strategically positioned due to Somalia's location on the eastern edge of Africa, near the equator, which is advantageous for conducting long-range tests.
The proximity to the equator would allow for enhanced efficiency and range of space rockets launched into the Indian Ocean, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

The move underscores Türkiye’s ambition to enter the competitive arena of space exploration, a domain traditionally dominated by major global powers. Plans for a Turkish space launch have been in development for several years as part of its broader strategy to expand its influence in the field.

In recent years, Türkiye has been among the few foreign nations actively strengthening its ties with Somalia. Through a series of defence collaborations, infrastructure projects, and plans for hydrocarbon exploration, Türkiye has significantly increased its presence in the region.