Turkey Defies U.S. Warnings, Bolsters Somalia’s Military with Lethal Akinci Drones

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – In a move that underscores its growing military influence in East Africa, Turkey has delivered a number of Akinci Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs) to Somalia, despite U.S. concerns over Ankara’s deepening defense ties with Mogadishu.

This deployment marks a significant escalation in Somalia’s air combat capabilities, further strengthening its counterterrorism operations against the Al-Shabab insurgency.

It also signals Turkey’s increasing strategic presence in the Horn of Africa, challenging traditional U.S. and Western dominance in the region.

Tensions between Washington and Ankara have intensified in recent months, driven by Turkey’s growing cooperation with Somalia in defense, aerospace, and energy.

The delivery of the Akinci UCAVs was confirmed by Somali Minister of Ports and Maritime Transport, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, who announced via his social media channels that Somalia had received two Turkish-built drones, transported via Turkey’s A400M military airlifter.

Nur, a graduate of Ankara University and a fluent Turkish speaker, previously served as Somalia’s Minister of Defense, where he played a pivotal role in strengthening military ties with Turkey.

“A true brother is revealed in difficult times. Turkey has once again provided unprecedented aid to the Somali people, who are battling against foreign invaders,” Nur wrote, a statement that hints at broader geopolitical implications beyond just a military alliance.

The arrival of Akinci UCAVs represents a major leap forward in Somalia’s air warfare doctrine.

Previously, the Bayraktar TB2 drones, already in operational use by the Somali National Army (SNA), had given Mogadishu a crucial advantage in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and precision strike missions against Al-Shabab militants.

With the Akinci now in Somalia’s arsenal, the country’s airborne strike capability will increase significantly, enabling larger-scale operations and more devastating firepower against insurgent forces and strategic enemy targets.

The Akinci UCAV, classified as a High-Altitude, Long-Endurance (HALE) drone, is a product of Baykar Technology, Turkey’s premier drone manufacturer behind the globally recognized Bayraktar TB2 and Kizilelma unmanned platforms.

Since its maiden flight in 2019, the Akinci has been a game-changer, capable of executing both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

Key Specifications:

• Maximum Takeoff Weight: 5,500 kg

• Operational Altitude: 40,000 feet

• Endurance: More than 20 hours

What sets the Akinci apart? It is not just another drone—it is a multi-role, high-endurance combat asset equipped with cutting-edge avionics and advanced sensor technology, including:

• Electro-Optic/Infrared/Laser Designation (EO/IR/LD) sensors

• Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) multi-mode radar

• Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) systems

These systems enhance Akinci’s ability to operate in contested airspace, providing real-time intelligence, tracking, and target engagement with minimal human intervention.

The Akinci UCAV is designed to carry and deploy a formidable array of weapons, far surpassing the capabilities of earlier Turkish drones. Its diverse payload includes:

• Cirit missiles (laser-guided)

• MAM-L (thermobaric), MAM-C (high-explosive), and MAM-T smart munitions

• Teber-82 laser-guided bomb

• Mini smart munition Bozok

• L-UMTAS long-range anti-tank missile system

• MK-81, MK-82, and MK-83 guided bombs

With these advanced strike capabilities, Akinci can deliver precision attacks on high-value enemy assets, from terrorist hideouts and command centers to armored convoys and fortified positions.

With the acquisition of Akinci UCAVs, Somalia is poised to significantly upgrade its aerial warfare capabilities, allowing for:

✅ Expanded counterterrorism operations against Al-Shabab strongholds
✅ Pre-emptive strikes on high-value insurgent targets
✅ Real-time battlefield intelligence for enhanced situational awareness
✅ Surveillance of strategic maritime and border regions

The arrival of Akinci drones in Somalia comes at a politically sensitive time.

Just days before the delivery, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud removed Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur from his post as Minister of Defense, reportedly under pressure from Washington.

Nur was then reassigned to Minister of Ports and Maritime Transport, a move seen by many as an attempt to downplay his pivotal role in fostering Turkey-Somalia military cooperation.

Under his leadership, Somalia and Turkey signed a landmark defense, trade, and maritime agreement in February 2023, a deal that has since raised alarm bells in Washington.

U.S. officials are particularly uneasy about Turkey’s long-term ambitions in the region, especially Ankara’s expanding military and economic footprint in East Africa.

Beyond the military sphere, Washington is also wary of Turkey’s plans to establish a spaceport in Somalia, which could facilitate future rocket launches.

U.S. officials fear that such projects may be perceived as a cover for long-range ballistic missile testing, further complicating regional security calculations.

Additionally, Turkey’s recent agreements to explore Somali oil and gas reserves have further aggravated tensions.

For the U.S. and its Western allies, Ankara’s growing influence threatens to shift the geopolitical balance in East Africa, undermining long-standing American strategic interests.

With the deployment of Akinci UCAVs, Somalia is entering a new era of high-tech warfare, equipping its military with one of the world’s most advanced drone systems.

For Turkey, the deal solidifies its position as a dominant military and economic partner in Somalia, further extending its influence across the Horn of Africa.

For the U.S., this development is a stark reminder that Ankara is no longer just a NATO ally, but an independent strategic player willing to challenge Washington’s dominance in key global theaters.

As geopolitical tensions in East Africa continue to evolve, the Akinci drones could prove to be more than just a battlefield asset—they could redefine the regional power balance for years to come.

— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA