MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – The Ministry of Defense of Türkiye has officially confirmed that it deployed F-16 fighter jets to Somalia, after three of the aircraft performed an aerial demonstration on April 12, 2026.

The flyover was part of celebrations marking the 66th anniversary of the Somali National Army, during which the F-16 jets flew over the ceremony venue.

The ministry also stated that T129 attack helicopters and AS-532 Cougar transport helicopters took part in the event.

Previously, Türkiye’s Ministry of Defense had announced that a naval unit it deployed to Somalia includes the warships TCG Gaziantep, TCG Bartın, TCG Bayraktar, as well as a supporting fuel supply vessel.

This marks the first time Türkiye has openly acknowledged the presence of its military aircraft in Somalia.

However, there had been earlier indications of this presence. In June 2025, a video circulated on social media showed a T129 helicopter flying over Camp TURKSOM in southern Mogadishu, where Somali troops receive training.