Somalia is reportedly set to modernize its Air Force fleet by receiving a number of Turkish-made T129 ATAK multi-role attack helicopters.
Developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries, the T129 ATAK is a twin-engine, tandem seat, all-weather attack helicopter designed for armed reconnaissance and attack missions in hot and high environments, and rough geography in both day and night conditions.
The Somalian Government will reportedly use the undisclosed number of T129s to enhance the Somali Air Force’s operational capabilities against security threats. One particular threat to Somalia’s security is the insurgent group Al-Shabaab, also known as the Islamic Emirate of Somalia. Al-Shabaab is a transnational Salafi Jihadist military and political organization known to be linked with Al-Qaeda forces.
In Somalia, Turkiye stepped in militarily after the Al-Shabaab terrorist organisation approached the Somali capital. In recent days, Akıncı drones were sent to the Somali army, which is known to use TB2s. Now T129 Atak helicopters are going to Somalia.
— Tr_tech (@T_Nblty) March 21, 2025
Turkiye is implementing a… https://t.co/bL99kA38FD pic.twitter.com/fWNqKc9ITS
MAASHALLAH! 🇹🇷🇸🇴 — Young #helicopter pilots from brotherly #Somalia trained in Türkiye to operate a multitude of choppers including #T129 ATAK, #T625 #Gökbey, #UH60/#T70, #UH1, #CH47 and #AS532. There are numerous #OSINT sources reporting #Mogadishu will soon receive T129s! 🚁 pic.twitter.com/5ZpyyPoKlx
— Turkish Century (@TurkishCentury) March 22, 2025
Although there is no confirmation of the number of T129s due to arrive in Somalia, various Turkish media outlets have posted photos on X of Somalian pilots and soldiers training in Turkey to operate a number of helicopters, including the T129.
Along with the helicopters, Somalia is also acquiring Bayraktar Akıncı Unmanned Combat Aerial Systems (UCAS) from Turkey to further enhance its military fleet capabilities.