Turkey Negotiating to Set Up Missile Test Base in Somalia

Turkey has initiated discussions to establish a new test site for ballistic missiles in Somalia.

This is reported by Bloomberg on September 10. This move is seen as part of Turkey's broader strategy to advance its missile capabilities and space program.

Sources familiar with the negotiations confirmed to the news outlet that Turkey is seeking to build this facility to test longer-range missiles developed under its ballistic missile program. The proposed site would enable Turkey to conduct missile tests and potentially space rocket launches from a location on the eastern tip of mainland Africa. The geographical position near the equator offers strategic advantages for launching rockets toward the Indian Ocean.

Hossein Sheikh Ali, the National Security Adviser to Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, declined to comment on the discussions. The Turkish Defense Ministry has also refrained from providing any official statement regarding the potential agreement.

This development aligns with Turkey's recent advancements in missile technology. Turkey has been enhancing its defense capabilities with domestic production of ballistic missiles. The Tayfun Ballistic Missile, developed by Roketsan, is a key example. The first test of the Tayfun missile occurred on October 18, 2022, at Rize-Artvin Airport, marking it as Turkey’s longest-range missile. A subsequent test was conducted on May 23, 2023, and the missile is now in the process of mass production. The Tayfun missile is classified as a Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM).

The proposed test site in Somalia would also support Turkey’s broader space ambitions. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's 2021 plan includes an extensive space program, with aspirations for a soft moon landing by 2028. As part of this initiative, Turkey aims to construct a spaceport, which would involve an investment of around $1 billion, with approximately $350 million allocated for the construction and maintenance of the port.

The move underscores Turkey’s increasing engagement in Somalia, a relationship that has strengthened since Erdogan’s first visit in 2011. Turkey has established its largest overseas military base in Mogadishu, with a $50 million facility capable of training over 10,000 soldiers. Recent agreements between Turkey and Somalia include a defense cooperation pact and an offshore energy accord. Additionally, in July, the Turkish parliament approved a two-year deployment of naval forces to Somalia as part of a joint defense arrangement.

This engagement occurs against a backdrop of regional tensions. The controversial deal between Ethiopia and the breakaway region of Somaliland in January 2024, granting Ethiopia access to the Red Sea, has heightened regional dynamics. In response, Egypt has shown support for Somalia’s sovereignty, recently providing military aid following a defense pact signed during Somali President Mohamud’s visit to Cairo.