In a notable development for Somalia’s defence capabilities, Turkey has delivered three T-129 Atak attack helicopters to the Somali government this week to aid in its ongoing struggle against the al-Shabab militant group. This delivery followed a phone call on Saturday between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, during which Erdoğan pledged continued support for Somalia’s counter-terrorism efforts. Alongside the attack helicopters, Turkey also provided two utility helicopters to the Somali navy, fulfilling part of a defence agreement signed in February 2024 that includes establishing a naval force for Somalia. This move reflects Turkey’s growing role in bolstering Somalia’s military strength at a time when the country faces persistent security challenges.
The delivery of the T-129 Atak helicopters stems from a 10-year bilateral defence agreement between Turkey, a NATO member, and Somalia, aimed at enhancing the East African nation’s military readiness. Discussions about Somalia acquiring these Turkish-made helicopters had been underway since March 2025, building on the defence and economic cooperation framework signed earlier this year in Ankara by Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler and Somali Defence Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur. The agreement aims to enhance Somalia’s capacity to counter insurgent groups and secure its territory, with the helicopter delivery marking a significant step forward. Open-source data reveals that around six Turkish A400M and Qatari C-17A transport aircraft arrived in Mogadishu over the past week, likely carrying the helicopters, though neither the Somali Ministry of Defence nor the Turkish government has officially commented on the specifics.
The T-129 Atak, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries, is a twin-engine, multirole attack helicopter designed for armed reconnaissance and precision strikes in tough environments. Equipped with advanced avionics like a helmet-mounted sight and GPS-integrated navigation systems, it can operate in all weather conditions, day or night. Its agility and firepower make it well-suited for counterinsurgency missions in Somalia’s rugged terrain, where ground forces often struggle with logistical hurdles. These helicopters are expected to enhance the Somali Air Force’s efforts against al-Shabab, an Al-Qaeda-linked group that has intensified its attacks in recent months, capturing villages south of Mogadishu and making gains in central Somalia. While al-Shabab has retreated from such advances in the past under military pressure, the current resurgence underscores the need for improved aerial capabilities.
Turkey’s support goes beyond equipment. Over the past year, Somali pilots have trained in Turkey to operate the T-129 helicopters, with the delivery timed to follow the completion of their final training phase. This training, combined with the helicopters’ arrival, demonstrates Turkey’s aim to build a comprehensive military capacity for Somalia, not just supply weapons. The two utility helicopters handed over to the Somali navy further this goal, aligning with the February 2024 agreement’s focus on maritime defence. Somalia’s military modernisation also includes other Turkish equipment, such as TB2 Bayraktar drones already in use and two recently delivered Akinci drones. These unmanned aerial vehicles, capable of high-altitude, long-duration flights with advanced night vision, complement the T-129s by offering enhanced surveillance and strike options against al-Shabab’s guerrilla tactics.
The timing of this aid is tied to Somalia’s broader security and political context. The country is preparing for elections in 2026, which will shift to direct voting from the previous tribal electoral system, making stability a priority. Turkey’s military assistance, including doubling its troop presence in Mogadishu to over 500 in April, aims to prevent a security gap as al-Shabab remains a formidable threat. These forces, based at the Turksom military facility, protect the base, secure Mogadishu’s ports, and operate armed drones. This escalation in support contrasts with the United States’ recent decision to cut funding in March to Somalia’s elite Danab unit, a key player in the fight against al-Shabab, despite doubling its airstrikes against Islamic State affiliates this year. Turkey’s increased involvement signals an intent to fill this void and sustain Somalia’s counter-terrorism efforts.
Turkey’s presence in Somalia dates back to Erdogan’s 2011 humanitarian visit, evolving over time into a deep commercial and security partnership. Beyond military aid, Ankara signed an energy exploration and drilling agreement with Somalia last year, deploying technical exploration ships off the Somali coast. While the data remains unreleased, Erdogan hinted on Monday during a televised address that “good news” on energy might soon emerge, fueling speculation in Ankara about potential resource discoveries. Somali President Mohamud has emphasized that the defense pact with Turkey focuses solely on maritime defense and economic cooperation, not rivalry with other nations, and is part of a dual effort to combat terrorism and protect Somalia’s maritime rights.
Before this delivery, Somalia’s ground forces operated at least ten helicopters donated by Italy, including six Bell 412s and four Bell 205As, with the most recent additions in 2024. The T-129 Atak helicopters represent a major upgrade, being the Somali Air Force’s first dedicated attack helicopters. Their advanced features, such as all-weather operation and precision strike capabilities, address the persistent security threats Somalia faces. This acquisition is a milestone in the country’s push to re-equip its military with modern tools, enhancing its ability to conduct reconnaissance and strikes in hard-to-reach areas. As Somalia and Turkey deepen their ties, the delivery of these helicopters stands as a pivotal moment in Somalia’s journey toward greater self-reliance in defense, offering a stronger hand against al-Shabab and a foundation for future stability.
