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Breaking News: Türkiye Supplies Akinci Drones to Somalia Sparking US Concerns Over Military Alliance.
According to TürkiyeToday, Türkiye is set to deliver a batch of Bayraktar Akinci combat drones to Somalia, as part of a military cooperation initiative aimed at strengthening Somalia’s defense capabilities against al-Shabab. This transfer marks a new phase in the strategic partnership between Ankara and Mogadishu, with Türkiye emerging as a key player in the development of the Somali armed forces. The move aligns with Somalia’s broader efforts to modernize its military and secure its territory amid an escalating insurgency.
With al-Shabab increasing its attacks on Somali forces and key infrastructure, the government seeks to leverage these drones to enhance its counterterrorism operations (Picture source: Baykar)
The Bayraktar Akinci, developed by Turkish defense company Baykar, is a strategic-class combat drone with greater firepower and versatility compared to the TB-2 model, which has been widely deployed in various conflict zones. It features flight endurance of over 24 hours and an operational range of 6,000 km, reaching an altitude of 30,000 feet. Equipped with a triple-redundant SATCOM BLOS and LOS communication system, it incorporates advanced artificial intelligence for signal processing, sensor fusion, and real-time situational awareness. With an autonomous landing gear system and fully automated flight controls, it offers enhanced maneuverability.
Capable of conducting air-to-ground and air-to-air missions, the Akinci carries a wide range of munitions, including Gökdoğan and Bozdoğan guided missiles, MK-81, MK-82, and MK-83 guided bombs, and SOM-A cruise missiles. It is equipped with a multifunction AESA radar, a collision avoidance radar, and an electronic warfare system, enhancing its operational effectiveness and survivability. Available in multiple configurations (Akinci-A, B, and C), it provides mission flexibility and long-range strike capabilities for complex operations.
With al-Shabab increasing its attacks on Somali forces and key infrastructure, the government seeks to leverage these drones to enhance its counterterrorism operations. Supporting ground forces, the Akinci drones will allow for precision strikes on militant positions and continuous surveillance of hostile movements. This approach is intended to gradually weaken the group’s operational capacity and restore governmental control over contested regions.
Somalia’s interest in Turkish military technology reflects a broader trend across Africa, where several nations are turning to Türkiye-made defense equipment for modernization efforts. The effectiveness of Turkish drones in conflicts such as Libya, Ukraine, and Nagorno-Karabakh has contributed to their growing demand internationally. In Somalia, the deployment of Bayraktar Akinci drones is expected to impact the security landscape, providing advanced aerial capabilities in a challenging operational environment.
This delivery comes amid rising geopolitical tensions, particularly with the United States, which has recently pressured the Somali government regarding its military alliances. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud dismissed his Defense Minister Abuldkadir Mohamed Nur following lobbying efforts from the U.S. military, according to sources cited by Middle East Eye. Nur, now reassigned as Minister of Ports, played a pivotal role in expanding Somalia’s military, energy, and aerospace cooperation with Türkiye. In February 2024, he facilitated a naval and defense agreement granting Ankara responsibility for securing Somali waters, establishing a naval force, and assisting in energy exploration. This partnership raised concerns in Washington, which prefers stronger ties with the United Arab Emirates in the region.
The recent deployment of Bayraktar Akinci drones to Somalia reportedly played a decisive role in this development, as the U.S. warned of potential security assistance reductions if Nur remained in office. The U.S. embassy in Mogadishu recently issued a security alert about a possible al-Shabab attack on the capital’s airport and other strategic sites, leading to flight cancellations by Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines. Additionally, Washington scaled back funding for the Danab Special Forces, an elite Somali army unit supported by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), impacting the country’s counterterrorism efforts.
Despite these tensions, a Turkish official downplayed the impact of Nur’s removal on bilateral relations, emphasizing that cooperation is based on institutional agreements rather than individual figures. Türkiye has made significant infrastructure and defense investments in Somalia and remains committed to supporting counterterrorism efforts. According to Tunc Demirtas, a regional expert at SETA, Türkiye’s focus will be on strengthening institutional frameworks to ensure the continuity of strategic agreements.
This geopolitical shift underscores the increasing competition for influence in Africa, where global and regional powers engage in military and economic partnerships. The growing role of combat drones in modern warfare is further highlighted by Türkiye’s involvement in Somalia, illustrating how military technology shapes security dynamics and international relations. As counterinsurgency operations continue, the integration of Akinci drones into Somalia’s defense strategy could significantly impact the conflict while intensifying broader geopolitical rivalries in the region.