Somalia has received a new shipment of advanced military helicopters from the Republic of Türkiye, marking a significant step in the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities amid intensified operations against the al-Shabab militant group.
According to Middle East Eye, three T129 ATAK attack helicopters were delivered to Somalia this week, alongside two utility helicopters designated for the Somali Navy. The transfer is part of a bilateral defense agreement signed in February 2024, under which Türkiye committed to supporting the establishment of a functional naval force for Somalia.
The helicopters are produced by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and are already widely used by the Turkish Armed Forces. Somali pilots, who have been undergoing flight and technical training in Türkiye for the past year, completed their final phase of instruction ahead of the delivery.
Open-source flight tracking indicates that several Turkish A400M and Qatari C-17A military transport aircraft landed in Mogadishu over the past week, likely carrying the helicopters and associated equipment.
Sources familiar with the shipment described the delivery as part of a broader Turkish strategy to help Somalia develop an integrated national defense capacity. The support also aligns with Türkiye’s wider engagement in the Horn of Africa, where it has maintained a strong presence since 2011.
This latest military assistance follows a recent phone conversation between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. During the call, President Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to Somalia’s security, political stability, and democratic development.
The delivery comes as Somalia prepares for a pivotal electoral transition in 2026, when the country is expected to shift from a clan-based indirect voting system to a direct popular vote. Meanwhile, al-Shabab has increased its attacks in recent months, particularly in central regions, including areas south of Mogadishu.
In addition to the helicopters, Türkiye has reportedly expanded its military footprint at the Turksom base in Mogadishu and has deployed advanced Akinci drones to enhance surveillance and precision strike capabilities.
The helicopter delivery and growing defense cooperation underscore Türkiye’s deepening role as a strategic partner for Somalia—at a time when other international actors are reassessing or reducing their military presence in the region.