Türkiye has delivered T129 Atak attack helicopters to Somalia, marking a significant escalation in Ankara’s military support amid a renewed offensive against al-Shabab and ahead of Somalia’s first direct elections.

Three Turkish-made T129 Atak helicopters were shipped to Mogadishu this week, shortly after Somali pilots completed their training in Türkiye. Two utility helicopters were also handed over to the Somali Navy as part of a February 2024 defense pact authorizing Türkiye to defend Somalia’s territorial waters and help build a naval force.

The transfer was confirmed days after a phone call between Presidents Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, during which Erdoğan reiterated Ankara’s full support for Somalia’s counterterrorism and state-building efforts.

Turkish Military Presence Grows in Somalia

This delivery comes alongside the recent deployment of Turkish Akinci drones and a doubling of Turkish troops in Mogadishu to over 500 personnel. Turkish forces now operate armed drones and help secure key infrastructure including the Turksom military base and Mogadishu’s ports.

The Akinci drones, with their advanced night-vision systems and 24-hour endurance, are seen as critical in ongoing operations against al-Shabab, which has regained territory in central Somalia in recent months.

Strategic Goals Ahead of 2026 Elections

Türkiye’s deepening engagement is seen as a bid to stabilize Somalia ahead of its 2026 elections—planned to be the first held via direct vote rather than clan-based systems. Analysts suggest Ankara is positioning itself as Somalia’s primary external partner as the U.S. scales back support.

This expanded partnership also includes energy exploration: last year, Türkiye signed an offshore drilling deal, and Erdogan recently hinted at forthcoming "good news" related to Somali energy.