ANKARA — Turkey’s planned spaceport in Somalia is poised to transform the relationship between the two countries, offering new opportunities for cooperation in security, defense, and technological exchange. Burhanettin Duran, a senior aide to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, articulated this vision during a panel titled “Turkey-Somalia Relations in the Process of Global Transformation” in Ankara on Wednesday.
Details: Duran, who leads the Turkish Presidency’s Communications Directorate, referred to the spaceport project as a cornerstone of the partnership with Mogadishu, emphasizing its exciting potential. “I think that this exciting project will not only enhance the international standing of Turkey and Somalia but also pave the way for new opportunities in many areas, including security, the defense industry, and technology sharing,” he stated.
Background: Construction of the spaceport facility, which began last year, follows rigorous feasibility and design studies. The initiative stems from a bilateral cooperation agreement signed in 2024, which allocated land for this strategic endeavor. Media reports highlighted that the site encompasses approximately 900 square kilometers (around 348 square miles) and is strategically located near the equator. This geographical advantage is expected to reduce fuel costs and enhance payload efficiency, critical for Turkey’s broader ambition to develop indigenous launch capabilities under its national space program.
Turkey’s inaugural overseas spaceport is intended to facilitate satellite launches overseen by the Turkish Space Agency. Additionally, it aims to support the testing of domestically developed missiles, reflecting Ankara’s commitment to decreasing reliance on foreign defense suppliers. As of now, however, specific timelines and budget estimates for construction remain undisclosed, leaving many details about the project still under wraps.
Duran’s remarks come amidst Turkey’s expanding influence in Somalia. The Horn of Africa nation is becoming a pivotal aspect of Turkey’s outreach strategy in Africa, which includes significant military and economic investments. Notably, Turkey operates one of its largest overseas military bases in Somalia, enhancing its strategic foothold in the region.
Additionally, Ankara recently dispatched its first drilling ship to Somali waters, following seismic research conducted between 2024 and 2025 on potential hydrocarbon resources. Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar has expressed optimism regarding three offshore blocks, each approximately 5,000 square kilometers (about 1,931 square miles), suggesting a burgeoning interest in tapping into Somalia’s energy sector.
Why it matters: Turkey’s increasing presence in Somalia has intensified regional rivalries, particularly following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland in December. This breakaway region, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has operated autonomously but has not been recognized internationally, except by Israel.
Duran voiced Turkey’s opposition to Israel’s move, stating, “We are openly and clearly opposed to Israel’s move to recognize Somaliland.” Turkey views itself as a staunch supporter of Somalia’s territorial integrity, perceiving the Israeli recognition as a destabilizing act that jeopardizes Ankara’s interests in the region. Somalia has long been affected by conflict and has struggled against the Al-Shabaab militant group for over a decade.
In recent developments, Turkey formally designated Somalia’s territorial integrity as a national security priority. This declaration is crucial as it aligns with Ankara’s strategic interests amid geopolitical shifts in the Horn of Africa.
Regional Dynamics: The burgeoning rivalry between Turkey and Israel over Somalia has implications for other regional players. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has solidified its commercial and security ties with Somaliland, bolstering its influence through investments in ports and logistics. However, it has not formally recognized the breakaway region.
In contrast, Qatar has intensified its defense cooperation with Mogadishu, providing training programs for the Somali National Army and broad security assistance. This relationship aligns closely with Turkey’s endeavors to reinforce Somalia’s sovereignty.
Moreover, China has backed Somalia’s claim to sovereignty, consistent with its broader opposition to separatist movements. China’s increasing commercial presence in Somalia underscores its commitment to supporting the nation’s integrity.
The international community’s reaction to Israel’s recognition of Somaliland has been largely negative, with China, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, and a majority of African states condemning the decision. Even the previous Trump administration indicated reluctance to follow Israel’s lead.
