Türkiye to build rocket launch facility in Horn of Africa: Somalia’s President Mohamud
Türkiye's first homegrown communications satellite, Türksat 6A, was sent into space with SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, U.S., July 8, 2024. (AA Photo)
With many incoming reports that Türkiye is building a rocket launch facility in Somalia over the past several weeks, Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud confirmed the move according to Bloomberg.
The project is a significant step in Türkiye’s efforts to expand its long-range rocket testing program and its broader aspirations in space exploration.
Somalia: Strategic location for rocket testing
According to Bloomberg’s earlier reports, Türkiye was in discussions with Somalia to establish a site for testing missiles and launching space rockets from the Horn of Africa.
President Mohamud highlighted that the facility would generate jobs and provide revenue for Somalia, supporting the nation’s rebuilding efforts after years of conflicts.
“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,” President Mohamud said.
Somalia‘s location on the eastern tip of mainland Africa, near the equator, makes it an ideal site for space activities, as launches near the equator enhance the range and efficiency of rockets.
Türkiye’s ambitious space program
The rocket launch facility aligns with Türkiye’s ambitions to join global powers in space exploration. While the exact location of the facility has not been disclosed, the project underscores Türkiye’s long-term plans to develop a presence in the space race.
Türkiye has been planning rocket launches for several years, but due to its geographical location, it’s highly risky for Ankara to test long-range rockets. The country is among a handful of foreign nations investing heavily in Somalia’s recovery and development. From building key infrastructure to facilitating peace negotiations.
$6 billion project strengthens strategic Türkiye-Somalia ties
Türkiye’s $6 billion investment in Somalia has reportedly been approved by the Somali government. This initiative builds on the strong relationship between the two nations, which deepened following President Recep Tayyip Erdogan‘s visit in 2011. Türkiye has established its largest overseas military training base in Mogadishu and partnered with Somalia on energy exploration projects.
