On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, Turkey has deployed its advanced Bayraktar Akinci unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) to Somalia.
These drones, surpassing the capabilities of earlier models, aim to enhance Somalia’s defense against the Al-Shabaab terrorist group. The deployment marks a significant step in the military cooperation between Turkey and Somalia, focusing on counterterrorism efforts in the region.
This delivery is part of Turkey’s ongoing military support to Somalia, aimed at bolstering its fight against al-Shabaab insurgents. Reports indicate that these drones were handed over to enhance Somalia’s aerial capabilities in regions like Middle Shabelle and Hiiraan, where counter-terrorism operations are intensifying.
No additional humanitarian, economic, or infrastructural aid shipments from Turkey to Somalia are explicitly documented as occurring today, based on available real-time information. However, the drone delivery aligns with the broader defense cooperation framework established in 2024, which includes ongoing training and equipping of Somali forces.
