Türkiye to build space launch facility in Somalia, President Erdogan confirms

Türkiye is planning to construct a space launch facility in Somalia, leveraging the country’s proximity to the equator for efficient satellite launches.

The project aims to enable Türkiye to launch satellites using domestically developed technology while advancing its rocket development capabilities.

Satellite successes lead to new plans

The successful launch of Turksat 5B in December 2022 and the anticipated launch of Turksat 6A in July 2024 have significantly expanded Türkiye’s satellite coverage, along with its ambitions to be a player in space technology.

Türkiye’s domestically produced satellites are currently being launched from facilities in the United States. Ankara aims to reduce reliance on foreign launch sites by building a space launch facility in Somalia, which Ankara identifies as a strategic ally and alternative.

Why Somalia?

Somalia’s location near the equator offers key advantages for space launches. Rockets launched from equatorial regions require less fuel, improving efficiency and reducing costs.

These geographical benefits make Somalia an ideal location for Türkiye’s first spaceport.

$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 since established its largest overseas military training base in Mogadishu and cooperated with Somalia on energy exploration projects.

Addressing regional challenges

While Somalia‘s location provides unique advantages, security issues, including threats from terrorist groups, remain a challenge. That’s why Ankara trains the Somali Armed Forces both on the base in Mogadishu and Türkiye. Trained troops of Somalia have successfully conducted counterterrorism operations across the nation.

Türkiye’s established military presence in the region and collaboration with Somali forces are expected to ensure the security of the project and its operations.

Israel’s alleged Somaliland military base plans

Israel is reportedly considering the establishment of a military base in Somaliland to monitor Houthi activities in Yemen and enhance security in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a crucial maritime chokepoint for global trade.

In return, Israel reportedly would formally recognize Somaliland, the self-declared in 1991 independent region of Somalia.

“Somaliland is a secular, democratic region that has long deserved international recognition,” an Israeli media host said in a post on his social media account, adding to the veracity of these claims.