Ankara aims to deepen relations with the Horn of Africa also known as the Somali Peninsula nation through defense and infrastructure projects – including a potential spacecraft launch site.
Türkiye eyes Somalia for space, missile launch site
According to Bloomberg’s report, Türkiye is in discussions with Somalia to establish a site for testing missiles and launching space rockets from the Horn of Africa, sources familiar with the matter have said.
Somalia‘s location on the eastern tip of mainland Africa, near the equator, makes it an ideal site for space activities, as launches near the equator enhance the range and efficiency of rockets, according to the sources, who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the topic.
Türkiye’s need for long-range testing site
Türkiye’s ballistic missile program requires long-range testing, and Somalia’s proximity to the Indian Ocean provides an ideal testing zone without the risk of debris falling in residential areas or other nations.
Türkiye’s ambitions to join the global space race have been in motion for several years, and the potential to use Somalia as a launch site could advance these plans. Turkish officials are confident Somalia will agree to the project, though there has been no official comment from either country’s government.
Expanding Turkish influence in Africa
Türkiye’s influence in Somalia has been growing steadily since President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited the country in 2011. Over the past decade, Türkiye has bolstered its ties with Somalia through defense cooperation, infrastructure development, and economic support. A defense-industry agreement signed in 2015 allows for joint military research, development, and production, further strengthening military ties.
In 2017, Türkiye opened its largest overseas military base in Mogadishu, where Turkish troops have been training Somali soldiers as part of efforts to rebuild Somalia’s security forces in the fight against the terrorist group al-Shabaab.
Türkiye also plans to dispatch an exploration ship to search for oil and gas off Somalia’s coast, signaling a deeper economic partnership.
Ankara’s ties with Somalia began with a humanitarian initiative in 2011 when Erdogan visited famine-stricken Mogadishu.
They eventually evolved into a comprehensive security and commercial partnership. Somalia now hosts Türkiye’s most extensive overseas military base.
Additionally, Türkiye’s sale of armed drones to Ethiopia in 2021 played a significant role in Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s efforts to defeat Tigray forces in Ethiopia’s civil war.
Moreover, Somalia has been battling the terrorist organization Al-Shabaab for many years. Turkish military training for Somali soldiers has been crucial in this fight, and Turkish-made drones have significantly enhanced Somalia’s counterterrorism success.
Somalia’s strategic regional role
Türkiye’s involvement in Somalia goes beyond defense and infrastructure. The country has positioned itself as a mediator in regional disputes, including a recent effort to mediate between Somalia and Ethiopia over a port deal in Somaliland, a semi-autonomous region that Somalia claims as part of its territory.
As China’s investment in Africa slows and the U.S. seeks to regain influence, Türkiye is making significant inroads across the continent. Its TB2 Baykar drones, used by 11 African nations, are seen as more desirable than Russia’s Wagner Group mercenaries in the region.
Why did Türkiye invest in Somalia?
Türkiye saw an opportunity in Somalia’s state of instability and the absence of major international players to increase its influence in Africa. The country aimed to enhance its global visibility, test its capabilities in conflict resolution, expand its market presence in East Africa, and portray itself as a benevolent middle power, emphasizing Islamic solidarity.
Turkish nongovernmental organizations and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) have actively participated in development and relief efforts across Africa, including Somalia. Additionally, major Turkish brands like Turkish Airlines launched fundraising campaigns to support Somalia.
Türkiye’s efforts to reintegrate Somalia into the international community bore fruit in 2014 with the reopening of Mogadishu’s port and airport, both managed by Turkish companies. This move contributed to an improvement in Somalia’s economic conditions compared to the previous decade.
Taking on a greater role, Türkiye assumed responsibility for training the Somali National Army in collaboration with the European Union, the United States, and other partners.
The establishment of a military base in Mogadishu in 2017 further solidified Türkiye’s commitment to Somalia’s security and development.
The base focuses on training the Gorgor Brigades, an elite unit of the Somali army, while also serving as a strategic outpost for Türkiye in the region.
Persistent threats from groups like al-Shabaab prompted Türkiye to increase its military support for Somalia’s progress, aiming to safeguard its economic and political investments in the country.
