Turkey is building a facility to launch rockets from Somalia, the Horn of Africa nation’s president said, boosting Ankara’s long-range rocket testing program.
A few months ago, it was announced that Turkey was in advanced discussions with Somalia to establish a missile and space rocket test site in the Horn of Africa. This strategic move is driven by Turkey’s need for long-range testing of its ballistic missile program and its aspirations to join the global space race.
The project will help generate jobs and revenue for the nation, Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said at an event in Mogadishu. Somalia’s location on the eastern tip of mainland Africa is ideal for firing toward the Indian Ocean without the risk of debris falling into residential areas and other countries.
Speaking at an event in Mogadishu, Mohamud highlighted the economic benefits of the project, stating it would generate significant employment and revenue. He noted that Somalia’s strategic position at the eastern tip of mainland Africa makes it an ideal location for launching rockets toward the Indian Ocean, minimizing risks of debris affecting populated areas or neighboring countries.
This development aims to elevate Turkey’s profile in the global space race, traditionally led by established powers. Although details such as the exact location of the facility were not disclosed by Mohamud, the initiative underscores Turkey’s growing technological and diplomatic influence in the region.
“I personally believe that the importance of Somalia hosting a launchpad for Turkish satellites is even more significant than the billions of dollars and opportunities that the project will generate,” Mohamud stated, emphasizing the geopolitical significance of the venture.
The site is part of Türkiye’s ambitions to participate in the space race, typically dominated by major global powers. In early 2021, it unveiled a 10-year space road map, which envisages missions to the moon, building a spaceport and developing viable satellite systems.
Turkey has been actively expanding its footprint in Somalia over the last decade, not only through defense and infrastructure projects but also with ambitions in hydrocarbon exploration. The country has also played a role in mediating between the government in Mogadishu and the leadership of Somaliland, the semi-autonomous region seeking recognition as an independent state.
This February, Turkey and Somalia agreed to boost their defence and economic ties in a bid to enhance their partnership and the stability of the region. The defense and economic cooperation framework agreement was signed on Thursday in Ankara by Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler and his Somali counterpart Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, who was received as an official guest with a military ceremony.
The two ministers also discussed bilateral and regional defense and security issues and expressed their mutual support for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Guler praised Somalia’s efforts to build a national army with the Somali Gorgor commandos, a special force trained by Turkish instructors, and said they were a source of inspiration for the African continent.
