Turkey’s latest move to construct a spaceport and missile testing base in Somalia has sparked major controversy, as critics accuse Ankara of militarily exploiting a fragile African nation under the guise of technological advancement.
A Hidden Agenda Behind Turkey Space Ambitions?
While Turkish officials frame the Somalia project as a step toward joining the elite group of nations with space launch capabilities, many observers argue that Turkey is using Somalia as a testing ground for its growing military-industrial complex.
According to multiple reports, including statements from Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Turkey plans to build a satellite launch and long-range missile testing facility on Somali soil.
The site would serve Turkey space ambitions to test ballistic missile systems like “Tayfun”, far away from Turkish territory.
Avoiding international scrutiny and shielding its own population from potential accidents or geopolitical backlash.
Why Somalia?
Turkey’s decision to use Somalia is not random.
The East African nation’s proximity to the equator offers ideal conditions for satellite launches.
But more importantly, Somalia’s weak governance, economic dependency, and heavy reliance on foreign aid make it vulnerable to foreign manipulation.
Turkey has already established its largest overseas military base in Mogadishu (Camp TURKSOM) and trained thousands of Somali troops, effectively embedding itself within the country’s defense structure.
Now, with the spaceport project, Ankara appears to be escalating its military footprint under the pretext of cooperation and development.
Critics: Somalia is Becoming Turkey’s “Testing Lab”
Security analysts and political commentators are voicing concern over the lack of transparency and the potential dangers of hosting foreign missile programs in an unstable country include:
- Environmental risks from rocket launches
- Potential civilian harm from failed missile tests
- Loss of Somali sovereignty as decisions are made by foreign powers
- Increased regional tensions, with neighbors and international actors viewing Somalia as a militarized pawn
“This is not about space science.
It’s about using Somali land for Turkey’s strategic gain,” one regional analyst said.
“Somalia is being reduced to a test field, not a partner.”
Turkey Space Ambitions in Somalia Hint to Neocolonialism
While Ankara paints its activities in Somalia as “partnerships,” many view them as a modern form of neocolonialism.
The infrastructure is Turkish-owned, the operations Turkish-led, and the benefits are disproportionately in favor of Turkey.
With no evidence that Somalis will be directly involved in the technology or research, critics say this is less about shared development and more about outsourcing risk.
What’s Next?
As Turkey space ambitions are increasing in Somalia and Africa, questions continue to grow:
- Is Somalia truly benefiting from these deals?
- Who is holding Turkey accountable for what it builds and tests on foreign soil?
- Will other powers follow suit, treating Somalia as open terrain for military experimentation?
Until clear answers and safeguards are in place, Turkey space ambitions in Somalia may be remembered less for innovation—and more for exploitation.
