Turkey Delivers Attack, Utility Helicopters to Somalia Amid Al-Shabaab Offensive

Turkey has significantly enhanced its military support to Somalia by delivering three T129 Atak attack helicopters to the Somali Air Force and two utility helicopters to the Somali Navy, fulfilling a defense agreement signed in February 2024. This delivery, conducted via Turkish A400M and Qatari C-17A transport aircraft, coincided with the completion of Turkish-led training for Somali pilots, highlighting Ankara's goal to build an integrated war capacity for Somalia. The helicopters are intended to bolster Somalia's fight against the al-Qaeda-linked militant group Al-Shabaab, which has intensified attacks and captured territories near Mogadishu. About 500 Turkish troops are now deployed in Somalia, with roles including protecting strategic sites, training Somali forces, and supporting drone operations. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed Ankara's commitment to Somalia's counter-terrorism efforts during a call with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who emphasized the partnership's focus on maritime defense and economic cooperation. This military assistance also appears aimed at stabilizing Somalia ahead of its planned 2026 elections, which will transition to direct universal suffrage amid internal political tensions.