ANKARA (KAAB TV) – The Turkish Ministry of National Defense has officially denied media reports claiming that Turkey has transferred T129 ATAK combat helicopters to the Federal Government of Somalia.
In a press release issued this week, the Ministry clarified that the T129 ATAK helicopters recently seen during a ceremony at the Turkish Embassy in Mogadishu remain under Turkish control and are part of Ankara’s ongoing military operations in Somalia—not assets of the Somali National Army.
“The T129 ATAK aircraft currently deployed in Somalia belong to the Turkish Armed Forces and are being used to support Turkey’s missions in the region,” the statement read. “These aircraft have not been delivered to the Somali government.”
Security sources in Mogadishu also confirmed that the helicopters are operated by Turkish forces stationed in Somalia as part of bilateral defense cooperation.
They emphasized that Somalia’s armed forces do not currently possess any attack helicopters or comparable advanced military aircraft.
Officials familiar with the matter told Kaab TV that the helicopters, along with other recently imported military equipment, are stationed at the TurkSom Military Training Base—a major facility where Turkish instructors train Somali troops.
They added that while new military vehicles have been brought into the country, no modern combat aircraft have been registered under the Somali government’s name.
The clarification follows recent statements from Somali authorities announcing efforts to modernize the country’s defense capabilities with new weapons, vehicles, and training support from allied nations, including Turkey.
However, the Turkish Ministry’s confirmation underscores that while Ankara continues to play a leading role in strengthening Somalia’s security forces, the T129 ATAK helicopters remain property of the Turkish Armed Forces and have not been officially transferred to Somali ownership.
Turkey has been a key partner in rebuilding Somalia’s defense sector since 2011, providing military training, logistical support, and infrastructure development under the TurkSom program—the largest Turkish overseas military training mission.