Turkish Air Force F-16 fighter jets have been seen operating from Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport, signaling an expanded Turkish military presence in Somalia. Videos posted online show the aircraft taking off and flying at low altitude over the capital.
According to Somali officials, three Turkish F-16s arrived in Mogadishu on January 28, accompanied by two military helicopters intended to support operations against the al-Shabab militant group. Horn Review reported that while no airstrikes have been confirmed, the deployment marks a shift in Turkish military activity in the country.
This is the first known deployment of manned Turkish combat aircraft to Somalia. Previously, Turkey’s involvement was limited to drones, transport aircraft, and military advisory roles. Middle East Eye reported that Turkish engineers had been preparing the facility to host the jets for several days before their arrival.
Bloomberg cited unnamed sources stating the deployment aims to strengthen Turkish drone operations and protect Ankara’s growing strategic and economic interests in Somalia. Turkey’s largest overseas military base is located in Mogadishu, and new testing facilities for missiles and space hardware are under construction nearby.
Middle East Eye reported that Turkey seeks to expand trade and is exploring Somalia’s energy and mineral sectors. According to consulting firm SMA Oxford, Somalia holds reserves of minerals such as aluminum, copper, iron, rare earth elements, and titanium—resources considered essential for energy technologies.
Al-Shabab has regained ground in several parts of Somalia. Semafor reported that the United States has sharply increased its airstrikes against al-Shabab and Islamic State-linked militants since the start of President Donald Trump’s current term, with 144 strikes carried out in the past year.
Turkey’s increased military role also coincides with Israel’s recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland—a politically sensitive development in the Horn of Africa. Reuters reported Israel plans to cooperate with Somaliland in areas including agriculture, health, and technology.
Turkey’s Defense Minister Yaşar Güler stated that new military facilities, including the Somali Air Command, have been established to support security efforts. These include installations for helicopters and drone operations. Since 2011, Turkey has provided training, equipment, and support to the Somali National Army.
Ankara has previously forward-deployed F-16s, including a 2020 deployment of six jets to Azerbaijan during conflict with Armenia. It is unclear how long the Turkish F-16s will remain in Somalia.
