Turkey is deepening military support to Somalia, evidenced by a recent A400M Atlas flight and seven Turkish/Qatari military cargo flights in a week.
Ankara delivered three T129 Atak attack helicopters and two utility helicopters to Somalia, following a call between presidents Erdogan and Mohamud.
This surge underscores Turkey’s strategic pivot towards the Horn of Africa amid regional power rivalries.
Somalia views Turkey as a critical ally for national defense.
Turkey’s military and humanitarian presence in Somalia has grown over a decade, anchored by its Mogadishu base.
Qatar’s involvement highlights a geopolitical alliance.
Analysts see this as a direct message to competing regional players like the UAE and Ethiopia.
The deliveries suggest a calculated effort to strengthen Somalia’s defense against potential threats.
Turkey aims to cement its role as a key actor in East Africa as dynamics shift.
