Somalia

[Skywalker]

Türkiye Deploys F-16 Jets to Somalia
Ankara has stationed F-16 fighter jets in Mogadishu as it moves to safeguard energy and infrastructure projects, according to Middle East Eye.
January 29, 2026Clash Report


Tüerkiye has deployed three F-16 fighter jets to Somalia as part of a broader strategy to protect its growing economic and strategic interests in the country, according to a report by Middle East Eye, marking a significant escalation in Ankara’s military presence in the Horn of Africa.

Military Deployment and Infrastructure Preparations
Somali officials familiar with the matter told Middle East Eye that Türkiye completed construction of a dedicated facility at Mogadishu’s international airport to host the fighter jets. Turkish engineers were reportedly on site for several days ahead of the deployment, preparing hangars and support infrastructure.

Satellite imagery reviewed by the outlet shows new hangar construction at the airport since September, while open-source flight data indicates an uptick in Turkish cargo flights over the past ten days, likely transporting spare parts and ammunition.

A source cited by Middle East Eye said the deployment is a preliminary step ahead of Ankara’s plan to dispatch an offshore oil exploration platform to Somali waters later this year. Turkish officials are also reportedly planning a spaceport project in northern Mogadishu.

https://clashreport.com/defense/articles...h3gd4lqkaq