Somalia Emerges as Strategic Partner in Türkiye’s Expanding Aerospace and Energy Vision
Satellite imagery reviewed by intelligence experts has revealed the presence of two major Turkish installations on the Somali coast — one believed to be a logistics hub near Kismaayo, and the other, in the Jamaame dunes, suspected to be the site of a planned Turkish spaceport. The project, first announced by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in November 2024, aims to establish a space launch facility close to the equator, where launch trajectories are more efficient.
The Somali government confirmed the existence of the spaceport agreement weeks after Erdoğan’s announcement, though specific details remained under wraps — until now. Satellite activity from multiple global players, including the US, France, and China, has reportedly intensified in the region, reflecting growing international interest in Türkiye’s deepening presence in Somalia.
A New Frontier in Aerospace Cooperation
Equatorial Advantage for Space and Missile Operations
Türkiye’s ambition to create its own autonomous satellite launch capabilities has found a natural partner in Somalia. With its vast Indian Ocean coastline, Somalia offers an ideal geographic location for equatorial launches and long-range missile testing — both key priorities for Türkiye’s defense and space industries.
Experts suggest that Türkiye is also planning to establish a long-range ballistic missile testing facility in the same area, seeking greater operational freedom than what its current geography allows.
Energy Cooperation Reaches New Heights
Türkiye’s Oruç Reis Completes Majority of Offshore Exploration
In addition to aerospace cooperation, Türkiye and Somalia are expanding their energy partnership. Türkiye’s seismic research vessel Oruç Reis, which arrived in Somali waters last October, has completed 78% of its offshore oil exploration mission, according to a recent statement by Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar.
Onshore Energy Agreement Under Negotiation
As WAJ reported on March 1, Somalia and Türkiye are now in discussions to finalize a new onshore energy agreement to complement their existing offshore deal. Somalia’s Minister of Energy is currently in Türkiye to negotiate the terms of this expanded cooperation.
A Strategic Alliance with Global Implications
These developments mark a significant step forward for Somalia, which is tapping into its vast untapped potential through trusted international partnerships. For Türkiye, Somalia represents both a strategic ally and a gateway into broader African collaboration — combining space, defense, and energy ambitions in one of the continent’s most pivotal regions.
As both countries move forward with these groundbreaking initiatives, their partnership may well serve as a model for future African-Turkish cooperation across multiple sectors.