Turkey Eyes Somalia for Missile and Rocket Launch Site
Turkey, in its latest strategic maneuver, is contemplating using Somalia as a launch site for missiles, as reported by Turkiye Today. This signals a burgeoning alliance between the two nations, who have seen their relationship strengthen in recent months.
Considerations of defense and infrastructure projects focus on the Somali Peninsula, with Turkey’s new space ventures poised to display its military prowess on a global stage. Lately, Turkey has not only provided Somalia with military hardware but also beefed up their technological capabilities.
Due to Somalia’s geographical positioning on Africa’s eastern edge close to the equator, it serves as a prime location for space-related activities. Launching near the equator boosts the distance and efficiency of rockets, as per anonymous sources cited by Bloomberg due to the sensitive nature of the subject.
The Micro-Satellite Launching System project nicknamed MUFS endeavors to launch satellites under 100 kg into orbit, reaching altitudes of at least 400 kilometers.
Turkey’s need for extensive ballistic missile tests is well-supported by Somalia’s closeness to the Indian Ocean. This location minimizes the risk of missile debris causing harm by ensuring it doesn’t land in populated regions or unintentionally crossing into other countries’ territories.
Established in 2017, Turkey’s largest international military training base in Somalia has been pivotal in countering Al-Shabaab militants. Somali GorGor troops, trained by Turkey, have successfully reclaimed numerous strategic localities.
Beyond military ambitions, Turkey is also set to deploy a research vessel to explore Somalia’s oil reserves following a recent economic accord with Mogadishu authorities. Amid the turbulent backdrop of the Horn of Africa, Turkey has also supplied advanced weaponry to Somalia.
With Ethiopia pressuring Somalia’s territorial sovereignty and aiming for Red Sea access to establish a military base and port, Somalia has turned to Turkey and Egypt for support. Ethiopia’s engagement with North Western of Somaliahas further strained the already tense relations.
For years, Somalia has grappled with the menace of Al-Shabaab. Turkish military training and state-of-the-art drones have been instrumental in bolstering Somalia’s anti-terrorism efforts, resulting in substantial successes on the ground.
Though Turkey attempted to mediate negotiations between Ethiopia and Somalia, no substantial progress has been made. Ethiopia’s plan to recognize North Western of Somaliaas an independent state has further disrupted the Horn of Africa’s already fragile peace.
Turkey’s proposal to utilize Somalia for launching ballistic missiles and space rockets holds the potential to heighten geopolitical tensions within the region.
AXADLETM
