# Turkey commences rocket launch facility in Somalia

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2024/12/turkey-commences-rocket-launch-facility-in-somalia/
- Published: 2024-12-21T10:09:31+01:00
- Author: Kazim Abdul

Turkey is building a facility to launch rockets from Somalia, the Horn of Africa
nation’s president said, boosting Ankara’s long-range rocket testing program.

A few months ago, it was [announced](https://www.military.africa/2024/09/turkey-plans-missile-and-space-rocket-test-site-in-somalia/#google_vignette)
that Turkey was in advanced discussions with Somalia to establish a missile and 
space rocket test site in the Horn of Africa. This strategic move is driven by Turkey’s
need for long-range testing of its ballistic missile program and its aspirations
to join the global space race.

The project will help generate jobs and revenue for the nation, Somalia President
Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said at an event in Mogadishu. Somalia’s location on the eastern
tip of mainland Africa is ideal for firing toward the Indian Ocean without the risk
of debris falling into residential areas and other countries.

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Speaking at an event in Mogadishu, Mohamud highlighted the economic benefits of 
the project, stating it would generate significant employment and revenue. He noted
that Somalia’s strategic position at the eastern tip of mainland Africa makes it
an ideal location for launching rockets toward the Indian Ocean, minimizing risks
of debris affecting populated areas or neighboring countries.

This development aims to elevate Turkey’s profile in the global space race, traditionally
led by established powers. Although details such as the exact location of the facility
were not disclosed by Mohamud, the initiative underscores Turkey’s growing technological
and diplomatic influence in the region.

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“I personally believe that the importance of Somalia hosting a launchpad for Turkish
satellites is even more significant than the billions of dollars and opportunities
that the project will generate,” Mohamud stated, emphasizing the geopolitical significance
of the venture.

The site is part of Türkiye’s ambitions to participate in the space race, typically
dominated by major global powers. In early 2021, it unveiled a 10-year space road
map, which envisages missions to the moon, building a spaceport and developing viable
satellite systems.

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Turkey has been actively expanding its footprint in Somalia over the last decade,
not only through defense and infrastructure projects but also with ambitions in 
hydrocarbon exploration. The country has also played a role in mediating between
the government in Mogadishu and the leadership of Somaliland, the semi-autonomous
region seeking recognition as an independent state.

This February, Turkey and Somalia [agreed to boost their defence and economic ties](https://www.military.africa/2024/02/turkey-and-somalia-sign-defence-and-economic-pact/?)
in a bid to enhance their partnership and the stability of the region. The defense
and economic cooperation framework agreement was signed on Thursday in Ankara by
Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler and his Somali counterpart Abdulkadir Mohamed
Nur, who was received as an official guest with a military ceremony.

The two ministers also discussed bilateral and regional defense and security issues
and expressed their mutual support for each other’s sovereignty and territorial 
integrity. Guler praised Somalia’s efforts to [build a national army](https://www.military.africa/2022/05/turkey-is-building-a-new-deadlier-somali-army/)
with the Somali Gorgor commandos, a [special force trained by Turkish instructors](https://www.military.africa/2021/01/150-somali-special-forces-training-in-turkey/),
and said they were a source of inspiration for the African continent.

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