Turkey Deploys F-16 Fighter Jets to Somalia Amid Expanding Strategic Presence

Turkey has deployed three F-16 fighter jets to Somalia, according to officials familiar with the matter, as Ankara deepens its military and economic footprint in the Horn of Africa.

The jets arrived in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, earlier this week and are operating out of Mogadishu International Airport, where Turkey has reportedly spent recent months preparing infrastructure to support the deployment. Satellite imagery reviewed by regional media shows that several new hangars have been constructed at the airport since September.

Sources said Turkish engineers have been working at the airport for days ahead of the deployment, while open-source flight data points to multiple Turkish military cargo flights over the past 10 days, likely delivering spare parts and equipment.

A source briefed on the move said the deployment is linked to Ankara’s broader strategic plans in Somalia, including preparations to send an offshore oil exploration platform later this year. Turkey is also reported to be planning a spaceport project in northern Mogadishu.

Defense Ministry Confirms Air Presence

While Turkey’s defense ministry has not formally announced the F-16 deployment, ministry sources told local media that Ankara maintains an air command structure in Somalia.

“Our Air Component Command and the Somali-Turkish Task Force based in Somalia continue to contribute to enhancing Somalia’s capacity to combat terrorism through military assistance, training, and advisory activities,” the sources said.

Turkey has long supported Somalia’s fight against the al-Shabab militant group, which continues to control parts of the country despite years of counterterrorism operations.

Rising Regional Tensions

The deployment comes amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Horn of Africa. Earlier this month, Israel recognized the breakaway region of Somaliland, a move strongly opposed by both Mogadishu and Ankara.

Following its first National Security Council meeting of 2026, Turkey reiterated its support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“Turkey’s support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia was underscored, and it was emphasised that Turkey will continue to uphold the bonds of brotherhood by standing with the Somali people in their fight against terrorist organisations,” the statement said.

Somalia’s cabinet on the same day appointed Brigadier General Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud as the new commander of the Somali National Army. Mohamud is a graduate of a Turkish university and has received military training at Turkey’s National Defence University.

Broader Military Footprint

Turkey already operates its largest overseas military base in Mogadishu and has trained thousands of Somali soldiers, estimated to make up roughly one-third of Somalia’s armed forces. Training has taken place both in Turkey and at the Mogadishu base, known as Turksom.

In addition to the F-16s, Turkey has previously deployed Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci armed drones, as well as three T129 Atak attack helicopters, to Somalia. Ankara has also transferred utility helicopters to the Somali navy under a defense agreement signed in February 2024, which includes provisions for helping Somalia establish a naval force.

Economic and Strategic Stakes

Since 2011, Turkey has invested heavily in Somalia, opening its largest embassy worldwide in Mogadishu and providing more than $1 billion in humanitarian aid. Turkish companies currently operate Mogadishu’s airport and seaport.

According to reporting by Bloomberg, the deployment of fighter jets is intended to support ongoing counterterrorism operations, protect Turkish assets, and secure Ankara’s expanding economic interests in the country.

Turkey has sharply criticized Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, calling it “overt interference in Somalia’s domestic affairs,” and warned that the move risks further destabilizing the region.

PA Turkey intends to inform Turkey watchers with diverse views and opinions. Articles in our website may not necessarily represent the view of our editorial board or count as endorsement.

Follow our English YouTube channel (REAL TURKEY):
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKpFJB4GFiNkhmpVZQ_d9Rg

Twitter: @AtillaEng
Facebook: Real Turkey Channel: https://www.facebook.com/realturkeychannel/