Somalia’s naval forces will receive T129 Atak attack helicopters from Turkey under a defense cooperation framework established this year, informed sources reveal.
The aircraft delivery aims to strengthen Somalia’s counterterrorism capabilities against al-Shabaab, the al-Qaeda affiliated insurgent organization, according to one source.
The helicopter transfer forms part of a decade-long military partnership between the NATO nation and the Horn of Africa state designed to improve Somalia’s defense preparedness.
February saw the signing of the defense compact, enabling Turkey to help Somalia protect its maritime borders and develop naval capabilities while facing persistent threats from al-Shabaab extremists and escalating Ethiopian tensions.
Turkey subsequently deployed approximately 500 military personnel to Somalia following the accord.
Around 300 soldiers focus on safeguarding vital facilities and instructing Somali military units, while remaining forces assist with drone operations involving Somali aircraft.
A separate energy exploration and extraction agreement followed, granting Turkish Petroleum Corp. operational rights across the East African nation.
Turkish defense officials state their nation’s military training, support, and advisory presence in Somalia seeks to maintain peace and stability according to bilateral agreements between both countries.
The initiatives also target preventing extremist attacks, especially those threatening joint commercial projects, while protecting Turkish nationals working in the area.
Turkey has dramatically increased its regional influence throughout the Horn of Africa over the last ten years via defense alliances and development projects.
Ankara has served as a crucial diplomatic intermediary in facilitating reconciliation between Somalia and Ethiopia while working to ease friction between the Somali federal government and Somaliland, the breakaway northern territory.
