Turkey delivers T129 Atak helicopters to Somalia

• six Turkish A400M and Qatari C-17A transport aircraft gracefully landed in Mogadishu
• This momentous acquisition signifies a crucial milestone in Somalia’s quest to modernise its military,
• Turkey’s relationship with Somalia dates to President Erdoğan’s heartfelt humanitarian visit in 2011

In a groundbreaking enhancement of Somalia's defence capabilities, Turkey has recently delivered three state-of-the-art T-129 Atak attack helicopters to the Somali government. This significant development serves to fortify Somalia’s military efforts against the al-Shabab militant group, a longstanding and formidable threat to national stability. The crucial delivery followed a pivotal phone conversation between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, during which Erdoğan reaffirmed Turkey's unwavering commitment to bolster Somalia’s counter-terrorism initiatives.

In tandem with the attack helicopters, Turkey has also contributed two utility helicopters, designed to enhance the operational capacity of the Somali navy. This generous provision is part of a broader defence agreement established in February 2024, aimed at constructing a capable naval force for Somalia. Such actions showcase Turkey’s deepening strategic partnership with Somalia during a time when the nation grapples with persistent security challenges.

The arrival of the T-129 Atak helicopters is the result of an extensive 10-year bilateral defence agreement between Turkey, a key member of NATO, and Somalia. This ambitious pact seeks to elevate the East African nation’s military readiness and modernisation. Efforts to secure these advanced Turkish-made helicopters began in earnest in March 2025, building upon a framework of defence and economic cooperation that was formalised earlier this year in Ankara by the defence ministers of both countries. The agreement is designed to enhance Somalia's capacity to confront insurgent threats and align it with international military standards, with the delivery of these helicopters marking a historic milestone in this evolutionary journey.

Recent open-source intelligence indicates that approximately six Turkish A400M and Qatari C-17A transport aircraft gracefully landed in Mogadishu over the past week, delivering the long-awaited helicopters. However, neither the Somali Ministry of Defence nor the Turkish government has offered an official commentary on the specifics of this pivotal delivery.

The T-129 Atak, developed by the prestigious Turkish Aerospace Industries, embodies a remarkable fusion of advanced technology and design, tailored for versatile armed reconnaissance and precision strike missions in challenging environments. This twin-engine, multirole attack helicopter is equipped with innovative avionics, featuring an advanced helmet-mounted sight and GPS-integrated navigation systems, allowing it to function flawlessly in various weather conditions, both night and day. Its exceptional agility, sophisticated targeting capabilities, and formidable firepower make it ideally suited for counterinsurgency operations in Somalia’s treacherous and rugged terrain, where ground forces often face significant logistical hurdles. The introduction of these helicopters is anticipated to enhance the operational effectiveness of the Somali Air Force in its relentless fight against al-Shabab, particularly as the group escalates its offensives, threatening to capture vital territories south of Mogadishu and making gains in central Somalia.

Historically, al-Shabab has been forced to retreat from captured territories under calculated military pressure; nonetheless, their current resurgence highlights a pressing need for improved aerial capabilities to safeguard forces on the ground. Turkey's support extends beyond merely providing equipment. Over the last year, Somali pilots have immersed themselves in comprehensive training programs in Turkey, acquiring the skills necessary for effective operation of the T-129 helicopters. The timing of this delivery has been meticulously aligned with the completion of their final training phase, thereby reinforcing the importance of building a fully capable military for Somalia through comprehensive support from Turkey.

In addition to the T-129 helicopters, the two utility helicopters delivered to Somalia’s navy further advance this military strategy, aligning with the maritime defence objectives of the February 2024 agreement. Somalia's military modernisation also embraces diverse Turkish military assets, such as the operational TB2 Bayraktar drones, complemented by the recent introduction of two Akinci drones. These unmanned aerial vehicles, with their high-altitude, long-duration flight capabilities and advanced night vision technology, provide critical surveillance and strike options necessary to effectively counter al-Shabab's guerrilla tactics.

The importance of this aid is intricately connected to the broader security and political landscape in Somalia, which is preparing for transformative elections scheduled for 2026. This upcoming election will transition to a direct voting system, moving away from the previous tribal electoral framework, making stability and security paramount. Turkey's military assistance—including a notable increase in troop presence in Mogadishu to over five hundred personnel in April—seeks to mitigate any potential security vacuums created by ongoing threats from al-Shabab. These Turkish forces, stationed at the Turksom military facility, play vital roles in securing the base, safeguarding strategic ports in Mogadishu, and operating armed drones essential for intelligence and reconnaissance operations. This elevated level of support stands in stark contrast to the United States’ recent decision to cut funding for Somalia’s elite Danab unit, a key player in the ongoing conflict against al-Shabab, despite ramping up airstrikes against Islamic State affiliates this year. Turkey's increasing involvement suggests a strategic intent to fill the gap left by the U.S. and sustain Somalia’s counter-terrorism efforts.

Turkey’s relationship with Somalia dates to President Erdoğan’s heartfelt humanitarian visit in 2011, evolving steadily into a multifaceted commercial and security partnership. Beyond military assistance, Ankara has engaged in an energy exploration and drilling agreement with Somalia, deploying technical ships for resource exploration off the Somali coast. While specific findings have yet to be disclosed, Erdoğan hinted at "good news" regarding energy prospects during a recent televised address, igniting interest and speculation in Ankara about resource discoveries. Somali President Mohamud has reiterated that the defence pact with Turkey is focused exclusively on reinforcing maritime security and fostering economic cooperation, explicitly avoiding any intent to provoke rivalries with other nations. This partnership reflects a dual strategic approach to combat terrorism while simultaneously safeguarding Somalia’s maritime rights.

Before this significant delivery, Somalia's ground forces operated at least ten helicopters donated by Italy, which included six Bell 412s and four Bell 205As, with the latest additions dating back to 2024. The incorporation of T-129 Atak helicopters represents not just an upgrade but a transformational moment in the Somali Air Force, being the first dedicated attack helicopters in its fleet. Their advanced capabilities, including all-weather functionality and precision strike options, are specifically designed to address the ongoing security challenges that Somalia faces daily. This momentous acquisition signifies a crucial milestone in Somalia’s quest to modernise its military, equipping its forces with the necessary tools to conduct sophisticated reconnaissance and precision strike missions in challenging environments. As Somalia and Turkey continue to strengthen their ties, the arrival of these helicopters marks a pivotal chapter in Somalia's journey toward enhanced self-reliance in defence, paving the way for a stronger stance against al-Shabab and establishing a solid foundation for future stability amidst escalating challenges.