Türkiye to build spaceport in Somalia to boost space, missile capabilities
Facility to serve dual civilian and defense roles, with $350M investment and strategic equatorial location
MOGADISHU, Somalia (MNTV) — Türkiye will construct a spaceport in Somalia, marking a major milestone in its space exploration and defense strategy, officials announced this week.
According to Türkiye Today, the project, led by the Türkiye Space Agency (TUA), is set to break ground soon on a 900-square-kilometer site along Somalia’s Indian Ocean coast.
The site’s proximity to the equator is expected to offer significant advantages for satellite launches, requiring less fuel and allowing for heavier payloads.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud first revealed the plan in December 2024, calling it a joint venture with Türkiye that signals growing strategic cooperation between the two nations.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has since confirmed Ankara’s commitment to the initiative, which will be Africa’s first space launch facility.
The spaceport will serve both civilian and military purposes. In addition to launching satellites, the site will be used to test long-range missiles.
Turkish authorities have emphasized that the ocean-facing location will reduce risks associated with rocket debris, as no neighboring countries or populated areas lie in its trajectory.
President Erdogan stated that Türkiye’s current longest-range missile, the TAYFUN, has achieved a 561-kilometer range in tests and is capable of reaching up to 800 kilometers.
He added that the country aims to expand its missile arsenal and develop systems with ranges exceeding 2,000 kilometers, with the Somali facility expected to support these efforts.
The spaceport’s construction will begin following a bidding process scheduled in the coming weeks, with an estimated cost of $350 million spread over multiple phases. Completion is projected within two years.
The initiative aligns with Türkiye’s broader ambitions to secure independent access to space and expand its footprint in the global aerospace and defense industries.
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