MOGADISHU – Somali Ambassador to Türkiye, Fathudin Ali Mohamed “Fathi Ospite,” held discussions with Yusuf Kıraç, President of the Turkish Space Agency (TUA), regarding the ongoing development of Somalia’s strategic spaceport facility, a landmark initiative currently under construction that is expected to position Somalia as a future hub for satellite and rocket launches.
The dialogue centered on the spaceport project, which aims to establish Somalia as a future center for satellite and rocket launches while enhancing scientific and technological collaboration between the two nations. Turkey, through its President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has announced plans to construct a $350 million spaceport in Somalia as part of its ambitious space exploration program. This facility, to be built near the equator, will support Turkey’s efforts to conduct moon missions, including a soft landing on the moon.
Located in the south of Somalia near the town of Jamaame, preliminary work reportedly began in late 2024. Somalia was chosen for its strategic location, which provides optimal conditions for rocket launches due to the earth’s rotational speed at the equator, reducing fuel requirements and improving payload capacity. This initiative is part of Turkey’s larger space program, which aims to advance technological capabilities and enhance scientific research.
Turkish Tanks Deployed to Protect Aerospace Facilities
A Turkish military transport docked at Mogadishu Port in February 2026, offloading a shipment of M48 and M60 Patton battle tanks in a move that signals a significant escalation of Ankara’s military footprint in the Horn of Africa. According to informed security sources, the tanks will be positioned to defend Turkish installations in the Warshiikh district, approximately 60 kilometers north of Mogadishu. The location is reportedly being prepared for missile and satellite launch operations, leveraging Somalia’s equatorial position—an optimal site for aerospace trajectories.
The protection of the Warshiikh installations represents a primary concern for Ankara. As the aerospace project advances into a critical stage, these tanks offer an essential shield against unconventional threats in the Middle Shabelle region. The increase in heavy military equipment follows recent security assessments regarding Turkish personnel and facilities. This mobilization aligns with Turkey’s recent introduction of F-16 fighter aircraft to the area, demonstrating a broader dedication to protecting its multi-billion-dollar investments in Somalia’s energy and technology sectors.
Military Cooperation and TURKSOM Academy
The Minister of Defence of the Federal Government of Somalia, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, has held high-level talks with the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Somalia, Alper Aktaş, and the head of the TURKSOM military mission, General Sebahattin Kalkan, focusing on strengthening military cooperation, enhancing training programmes for the Somali National Army, and deepening the strategic defence partnership between the two nations.
Minister Fiqi expressed his appreciation for Türkiye’s consistent and multifaceted support to the Somali people and government. Turkey has been one of Somalia’s most consistent security partners, providing comprehensive military training, equipment, and capacity-building support. Its involvement has been pivotal in the establishment and operations of the TURKSOM Military Academy in Mogadishu, which has trained thousands of Somali soldiers and officers since its founding in 2017. Minister Fiqi has previously described the academy as “a cornerstone in our journey towards building a capable, self-reliant, and professional national army.”
First Satellite Launch Planned from Somali Soil
Turkish Ambassador to Somalia Alper Aktaş announced that Somalia would for the first time launch a satellite from its own soil, marking a significant milestone in the partnership between the two nations. The satellite launch is only the beginning of a project that includes the construction of a Turkish spaceport in Somalia, demonstrating the strengthening of strategic and technological ties between the two nations.
Turkey has completed the design phase of its next-generation Turksat 7A communications satellite, and Somalia could serve as the launch site for the project, a move that would mark a major technological milestone for Somalia. Turkish media outlet Turkish Century reported that production of the satellite is expected to begin later this year, and that Turksat 7A could become the first satellite of its kind to be launched from Somali territory.
Analysts note that Somalia’s geographic location near the equator offers a technical advantage for satellite launches, as the Earth’s rotational speed is highest at the equator, providing additional thrust and allowing rockets to carry larger payloads with less fuel. If implemented, hosting a satellite launch would be a significant milestone for Somalia, strengthening its international profile, attracting technology investment and opening new opportunities in telecommunications, digital infrastructure and scientific cooperation.
Academic Study Selected Somalia as Optimal Spaceport Location
A 2022 academic study published in the Journal of Aeronautics and Space Technologies by researchers from the Turkish National Defense University formally identified Somalia as the best alternative location for Türkiye’s spaceport. The study, which employed spherical fuzzy AHP and SF-VIKOR multi-criteria decision-making methods, evaluated five potential locations: Somalia, Turkmenistan, Malaysia, Brazil, and Australia.
The research concluded that Somalia ranked first, followed by Malaysia, Brazil, Australia, and Turkmenistan. The study noted that conditions to be considered in spaceport site selection turn into a quite complex process, with factors including technical capabilities, requirements, and social relations between Türkiye and the candidate country.
President Mohamud Confirms Space Facility Plans
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has confirmed Turkey’s plans to construct a space launch facility in Somalia, leveraging the country’s proximity to the equator to enhance the efficiency of satellite launches. This strategic location is advantageous for launching rockets due to reduced fuel requirements and improved payload capacity. The project is part of Turkey’s broader ambitions in space exploration, including plans for a moon landing.
Opportunities for Somali Youth and Economic Advancement
Upon completion, the initiative is projected to offer substantial opportunities for Somali youth in science, technology, innovation, research, and other specialized fields. The project will also promote knowledge exchange, skills development, and economic advancement, while reinforcing the strategic alliance between Somalia and Türkiye.
Somali officials view the proposed facility as more than a launch site, saying it could help build local expertise in engineering, data science, telecommunications and space technology. The project could also strengthen Somalia’s ambitions to diversify beyond livestock, agriculture and remittances by creating new opportunities in research, innovation and advanced technology.
If realized, the spaceport project would represent one of the most ambitious technology initiatives undertaken in Somalia’s modern history, signaling the country’s desire to position itself as a participant in emerging global industries rather than solely a recipient of development assistance. This spaceport initiative marks significant progress for Somalia’s engagement in the global space and technology landscape and supports sustained scientific and technological progress.
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