By HAN News Desk
MOGADISHU — Somalia’s federal government has formally begun efforts to rebuild and modernize its navy, with Turkey taking a leading role in training and technical support for the force, officials said.
The first shipment of training equipment for the Somali Navy recently arrived in Mogadishu, marking what authorities describe as the start of a broader plan to strengthen the country’s maritime capabilities.
On Monday, Turkey’s Deputy Naval Forces Commander, Rear Adm. Mustafa Kaya, arrived in the Somali capital and met with the commander of the Somali Navy and Somalia’s state minister for defense. The discussions focused on accelerating training programs, enhancing technical cooperation and improving Somalia’s maritime defense capacity.
Meanwhile, reliable sources indicated that Saudi Arabia, following meetings with Somali security officials, has asked the Somali government to formally outline its defense needs. Somalia reportedly submitted two key requests: the provision of naval vessels and assistance in facilitating the acquisition of military aircraft manufactured by Pakistan.
Saudi Arabia is said to be prepared to transfer naval vessels previously used by its navy that are being phased out as they are replaced with more modern equipment. Those ships are expected to play a significant role in securing Somalia’s coastline and combating smuggling, piracy and other maritime threats.
Turkey is expected to begin formal training of Somali naval personnel as part of the initiative. Agreements related to the naval vessels are anticipated to be finalized during an upcoming visit by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to Saudi Arabia in the coming days.
The developments signal a renewed push by Somalia to restore its maritime defense capabilities and deepen security cooperation with partner nations, as it seeks to safeguard its territorial waters and strengthen national sovereignty.
