Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Türkiye’s Özdemir Bayraktar National Technology Centre in Istanbul on Thursday, strengthening defence ties between the two countries.
The high-level visit spotlighted Somalia’s growing reliance on Turkish drone technology, particularly the Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci UAVs, as part of its strategy to boost national security and fight terrorism.
Somalia eyes Turkish drones to bolster national security
At the heart of the visit was Somalia’s interest in modernising its military with Türkiye’s advanced unmanned aerial systems.
President Mohamud, joined by top Somali officials, met with Baykar’s CTO, Selçuk Bayraktar, and toured the facility, where he received a detailed briefing on the company’s flagship drones.
The Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci UAVs, known for their precision, long-range capability, and surveillance features, have gained global attention for their role in modern warfare.
Somalia hopes these assets will enhance its ability to monitor and strike insurgent groups like Al-Shabaab more effectively.
Baykar Technologies, a major player in Türkiye’s defence sector, also reaffirmed its readiness to support Somalia through future drone sales, operator training, and potential tech transfer programs.
Discussions are underway to initiate joint training initiatives to equip Somali forces with the skills to independently maintain and operate these systems.
Türkiye-Somalia military partnership expands
The visit marks a major step in a strong bilateral relationship that began in 2011 and has grown to include humanitarian aid, infrastructure, and defence collaboration.
Türkiye remains one of Somalia’s most consistent allies, with extensive support across sectors.
With increased terror threats at home, Somalia is looking outward for tools to modernise its defence infrastructure.
This drone partnership gives Somali forces an edge in precision strikes, real-time intelligence gathering, and aerial surveillance capabilities they previously lacked.
President Mohamud stressed that a modern military force is essential to national sovereignty.
“Strengthening our defence capacity is key to ensuring the safety of our people and defeating terrorism. This partnership with Türkiye is built on trust,” he said during the visit.
A shared vision for regional stability and innovation
President Mohamud’s trip also had symbolic weight. His tour of Baykar’s innovation hub underlined a mutual vision for a more secure and technologically advanced Africa.
The visit concluded with commitments from both sides to deepen cooperation, not just through military transactions but strategic alliances that could include tech innovation and joint research.
As Somalia continues its campaign against Al-Shabaab and seeks to stabilise the region, the integration of Turkish drones marks a pivotal shift in its defence strategy. With Türkiye by its side, Somalia is stepping confidently into a new era of self-reliant security.