by Sebastien GOULARD
In November 2024, Türkiye (Turkey) announced the construction of a launch base in Somalia to test its future long-range missiles and advance its space programs. This new milestone highlights the strong relationship between Türkiye and Somalia.
Since 2021, Türkiye has been pursuing new space ambitions, including a first lunar mission planned for 2026, which would place Türkiye among the select nations that have reached, or aspire to reach, the Moon. Türkiye has also expressed interest in joining the China-Russia-led International Lunar Research Station project. To achieve these goals, Türkiye requires space testing capabilities and has chosen to collaborate with Somalia for this purpose. Previously, tests were conducted in Sinop on the Black Sea, but the site is no longer suitable for Ankara’s expanding ambitions.
Somalia offers several advantages for Türkiye’s aerospace sector. First, the country’s equatorial location provides particularly optimal conditions—comparable to Kourou in French Guiana—for rocket launches. Additionally, Somalia’s long coastline along the Indian Ocean ensures safer launches, as any potential debris would not fall on populated areas.
For several years, Türkiye and Somalia have been fostering a diversified partnership, particularly in the defense sector. In 2017, a Turkish military base was inaugurated near Mogadishu. Turkish military personnel assist in training Somali troops in counterterrorism operations and help secure maritime routes in the Indian Ocean.
Türkiye also positions itself as a stabilizing force in the region. In December 2024, President Erdoğan facilitated an agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia, resolving regional tensions over Somali sovereignty and enabling a potential sea access route for Ethiopia.
The proposed space launch base may lead to increased Turkish investments in Somalia, particularly in its ports, such as Mogadishu and others. Back in 2020, the Somali government granted a 14-year management contract for the Port of Mogadishu to the Turkish company Albayrak.
For Somalia, hosting a Turkish launch base could generate new jobs and foster industries linked to the development of the launch site. However, to support this new activity, Somalia will need to modernize its infrastructure, including transport and energy systems—regular power outages remain a challenge—and ensure the security of these installations.
Türkiye’s decision to invest in Somalia could be a decisive factor in fostering the country’s economic development.
Author: Dr. Sebastien Goulard is the founder and editor-in-chief of Global Connectivities.
