Turkey will supply Somalia’s navy with T129 Atak helicopters as part of a defence agreement signed earlier this year, according to sources familiar with the deal.
- Turkey will supply Somalia with T129 Atak helicopters under a defense agreement to enhance naval capacity.
- The delivery is part of Turkey’s 10-year pact to support Somali military readiness against threats such as al-Shabaab.
- The collaboration underscores Turkey’s broader strategic expansion in the Horn of Africa through defense and economic initiatives.
Turkey will supply Somalia’s navy with T129 Atak helicopters as part of a defence agreement signed earlier this year, according to sources familiar with the deal.
The helicopters are expected to boost Somalia’s efforts in combating the al-Qaeda-linked militant group al-Shabaab, one source said.
The delivery supports a 10-year bilateral defence agreement between the NATO member and the East African country to enhance the latter’s military readiness.
DON’T MISS THIS: Top 10 African countries with the largest proven oil reserves in 2025
Turkey’s military footprint expands
Signed in February, the defence pact allows Ankara to assist Mogadishu in securing Somalia’s coastline and strengthening its naval infrastructure amid ongoing threats from the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabaab militia and rising tensions with Ethiopia.
Following the agreement, Turkey deployed around 500 troops to Somalia. Roughly 300 of these personnel are tasked with protecting critical infrastructure and training Somali forces, while the rest are supporting operations involving Somali drones.
That was followed by a separate hydrocarbon exploration and production deal, allowing Turkish Petroleum Corp. to operate in the Horn of Africa nation.
Turkish defence ministry officials say the country’s training, assistance, and advisory support in Somalia are aimed at ensuring security and stability, in line with agreements signed between the two nations.
DON’T MISS THIS: U.S. jet fuel imports soar as Dangote refinery boost exports to the west
The measures are also intended to prevent terrorist attacks, particularly those targeting joint economic ventures, and to safeguard Turkish personnel operating in the region.
Over the past decade, Turkey has significantly expanded its footprint in the Horn of Africa through defence partnerships and infrastructure investments.
It has played a key diplomatic role in brokering peace between Somalia and Ethiopia and has also attempted to mediate tensions between the Somali government and Somaliland, the semi-autonomous northern region.
