Somalia Defence Minister confirms Turkish F-16 deployment

Turkey has deployed F-16 fighter jets to Somalia, a Somalia’s defence minister said on Wednesday, confirming weeks of media reports and marking an expansion of Ankara’s military footprint in the Horn of Africa.

Late last month, Middle East Eye and Bloomberg reported that the Turkish Air Force had stationed three F-16s at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu following months of preparatory work. According to the reports, new aircraft hangars were constructed at the airport specifically to accommodate the fighter jets. Satellite imagery and recent on-site activity involving Turkish engineers indicated that the upgraded facilities were designed to host advanced combat aircraft.

Flight-tracking data reviewed by Middle East Eye showed multiple Turkish military cargo aircraft landing in Mogadishu over the last weeks of January. These flights are believed to have transported equipment, spare parts, and munitions necessary to support the operation and maintenance of the jets. Sources cited by the outlet said the deployment is linked to Turkey’s broader strategic plans in Somalia, including the anticipated arrival of a Turkish oil exploration platform later this year, highlighting the intersection of Ankara’s security posture and its expanding energy interests in the country.

For the past 24 hours, videos circulating widely on social media have shown F-16 fighter jets taking off from Mogadishu and flying over the city, effectively confirming their presence on the ground. The footage marks the first visual evidence of advanced fighter aircraft operating from Somali territory.

Official confirmation came during a ceremony marking the handover of command from the outgoing army chief to the newly appointed head of the Somali National Army. Speaking at the event, Somalia’s Minister of Defence, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, stated that Turkey had “given fighter jets to the Somali National Army.” While the minister did not specify the number of aircraft or the terms of the transfer, his remarks represent the first acknowledgment by a senior Somali official of the deployment.

The arrival of the fighter jets comes as defence and political ties between Ankara and Mogadishu continue to deepen. Somalia recently appointed a Turkish-trained general as commander of its national army, further cementing military cooperation between the two countries. Under a 2024 defence agreement, Turkey has already supplied Somalia with armed helicopters, and training support, as well as assistance in developing a naval force to secure Somali waters.

Beyond defence, Turkey has made major investments in Somalia ports, airports, and infrastructure, and has taken a leading role in energy exploration initiatives. Turkish companies also operate Mogadishu’s main airport and seaport, and Ankara has floated ambitious proposals, including the potential construction of a space launch facility in Somalia.

Taken together, these developments position Turkey as Somalia’s most influential economic and military partner, and a rising power broker in the increasingly contested Horn of Africa, where regional and global actors are competing for strategic access, security influence, and energy resources.