# Somalia possibly acquiring Turkish T-129 ATAK combat helicopter

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2025/04/somalia-possible-acquiring-turkish-t-129-atak-combat-helicopter/
- Published: 2025-04-07T16:31:38+01:00
- Author: Kazim Abdul

Somalia is looking to acquire ATAK attack helicopters from Turkey to bolster its
combat capacity.

As of March 2025, Somalia has been in discussions with Türkiye regarding the acquisition
of [Turkish-made T-129 ATAK attack helicopters](https://www.military.africa/2022/07/t-129-atak-the-example-of-turkey-in-the-counter-terrorism/)
to strengthen its defence capabilities.

Last 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 in Ankara by
Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler and his Somali counterpart Abdulkadir Mohamed
Nur.

These talks are part of a broader effort to enhance Somalia’s military power in 
countering insurgent groups and ensuring national security. While negotiations are
ongoing, details regarding the specific models, quantity, and delivery timeline 
have not been publicly disclosed.

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Currently, the Somali ground forces have at least 10 helicopters previously donated
by Italy, and want to buy more. Somalia and Turkey have emphasised their commitment
to strengthening defence cooperation, reflecting the deepening bilateral relations
between Somalia and Türkiye. However, neither the Somali Ministry of Defence nor
the Turkish government has issued an official statement on the matter.

These advanced attack helicopters, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries, are
expected to bolster the Somali Air Force (SAF) in its ongoing fight against insurgent
groups, including the Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab. The move marks a pivotal step 
in Somalia’s efforts to modernize its defense infrastructure and assert greater 
control over its security landscape. Once finalized, the deal should become a significant
milestone for the Somali military on its path toward re-equipment with modern weapons
and overall reinforcement “in response to persistent security threats.

Although, as of today, neither party has yet confirmed these plans, and many other
details of this potential agreement remain unknown, particularly the contract value,
number of helicopters, their equipment, or delivery timelines.

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The T-129 ATAK is a twin-engine, multirole attack helicopter designed for armed 
reconnaissance and precision strikes in challenging environments. Equipped with 
advanced avionics, including a helmet-mounted sight and GPS-integrated navigation
systems, the helicopter is capable of operating in all weather conditions, day or
night. Its agility and firepower make it a formidable asset for counterinsurgency
operations, particularly in Somalia’s rugged terrain where ground forces often face
logistical challenges.

The T-129 ATAK combat helicopter has an endurance of 3 hours and is equipped with
76 unguided 70 mm rockets and a 20 mm cannon with a capacity of 500 rounds.

T-129 is designed for multi-role missions and is integrated with the most advanced
electronic warfare systems.

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It can simultaneously carry 8 UMTAS guided anti-tank missiles, 12 guided CİRİT missiles,
2 STINGER missiles, and a 20 mm cannon with 500 rounds.

Reports indicate that Somali pilots and soldiers have been undergoing training in
Turkey to operate the T-129 ATAK, as well as other helicopter models. This training
underscores the deepening [military cooperation between Somalia and Turkey](https://www.military.africa/2022/05/turkey-is-building-a-new-deadlier-somali-army/),
a partnership that has grown significantly in recent years. The establishment of
the [TURKSOM military base in Mogadishu](https://www.military.africa/2017/08/turkish-military-to-open-new-military-base-in-somalia/)
has been a cornerstone of this collaboration, providing Somali forces with training
and access to advanced military technology.

It is also reported that Somalia recently enhanced its military arsenal by acquiring
[Bayraktar Akıncı Unmanned Combat Aerial Systems (UCAS) from Türkiye](https://www.military.africa/2025/03/somalia-acquires-akinci-drone-from-turkey-to-stem-al-shabaab-attacks/).
This strategic move aims to bolster Somalia’s efforts in combating Al-Shabaab, which
continues to pose significant security challenges. Delivery of these unmanned systems
was confirmed by Somali Minister of Ports and Maritime Transport, Abdulkadir Mohamed
Nur, who [announced](https://www.military.africa/2025/03/somalia-acquires-akinci-drone-from-turkey-to-stem-al-shabaab-attacks/)
that two Turkish-built drones were received, transported via Türkiye’s A400M military
airlifter.

As of 2024, Somalia had only [two Bell 412 utility helicopters ](https://www.military.africa/2023/08/somalia-receives-bell-412-helicopters-to-boost-counter-insurgency-fight/)
acquired in August 2023. Subsequently, in 2024, , Italy [donated](https://www.military.africa/2024/08/italy-supplies-helicopters-to-somalia/)
a batch of additional rotorcraft, bringing the total number to ten units: six Bell
412s (incl. one Bell-412SP) and four Bell 205As.

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