Türkiye transfers battle tanks to strengthen Somalia security cooperation
Key Takeaways
- Türkiye has transferred a new batch of M48 and M60 Patton main battle tanks to Somalia, further expanding bilateral defence cooperation.
- The tanks were transported aboard the Turkish Navy landing ship TCG Sancaktar and offloaded at the port of Mogadishu.
- In January 2026, Turkish F-16 fighter jets landed at Aden Adde International Airport, marking Türkiye’s first forward stationing of manned combat aircraft in Somalia.
- The F-16 deployment is believed to support counter-terrorism operations against Al-Shabaab and strengthen deterrence and rapid-response capabilities.
- Between 2024 and 2025, Türkiye delivered three T129 ATAK attack helicopters, with Somali pilots completing training before transfer.
Türkiye has transferred a new batch of M48 and M60 Patton main battle tanks to Somalia, marking another step in expanding bilateral defence cooperation.
According to available footage and defence sources, the tanks were transported aboard the Turkish Navy landing ship TCG Sancaktar and offloaded at the port of Mogadishu.
Images circulating online show the armoured vehicles being moved from the port area under escort, later proceeding through the city in an organised convoy formation.
In late January 2026, reports confirmed that Turkish F-16 fighter jets landed at Aden Adde International Airport.
The deployment marked Türkiye’s first forward stationing of manned combat aircraft in Somalia. The jets are believed to support counter-terrorism operations against Al-Shabaab and to enhance deterrence and rapid-response capabilities.
Prior to the jet deployment, Türkiye delivered three T129 ATAK attack helicopters to Somalia during 2024 and 2025 under an expanded defence cooperation agreement. Somali pilots reportedly completed training programs ahead of the transfer.
The helicopters strengthened Somalia’s close air support and counter-insurgency capacity.
Türkiye’s military assistance to Somalia began intensifying in 2020, when Ankara donated Kirpi armoured personnel carriers and military transport vehicles to the Somali National Army.
Additional shipments between 2021 and 2025 included MRAP vehicles, logistical trucks, ammunition, heavy weapons systems, and command-and-control equipment.
From armoured vehicle donations in 2020 to helicopter transfers in 2024–2025, and tank and fighter jet deployments in 2026, Türkiye’s military engagement with Somalia has progressed in structured phases.
The timeline reflects an expansion from mobility and training support to advanced air power and heavy armour, positioning Türkiye as one of Somalia’s significant long-term defence partners.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
