MOGADISHU/ISTANBUL — Turkey is preparing for a major step in its military advancement, with plans to test a long-range intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that could significantly enhance its strategic capabilities, according to multiple reports.
The missile, named “Yildirimhan,” is believed to have a range of up to 6,000 kilometres, placing it within the category of weapons capable of striking targets across continents. If successfully developed and deployed, it would mark a shift in Turkey’s defense posture, bringing it closer to the level of major global military powers.
A report by Bloomberg said the missile was unveiled during the SAHA Expo defense exhibition held in Istanbul, where Turkey showcased a wide range of domestically produced military technologies as part of its broader push for defense self-sufficiency.
Sources familiar with the matter indicated that Ankara is considering conducting the missile’s first live test in Somalia later this year. While officials have not publicly confirmed the location, the choice of Somalia reflects deepening defense ties between the two countries.
Turkey maintains its largest overseas military training facility, the TURKSOM Military Training Base, in the Somali capital Mogadishu. The base has been central to training thousands of Somali troops and strengthening bilateral military cooperation.
A Somali government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said any such test would require “full respect for Somalia’s sovereignty and international obligations.”
“We are aware of reports regarding possible military cooperation involving advanced systems,” the official said. “Our priority remains national security, stability, and ensuring that Somalia is not drawn into unnecessary geopolitical tensions.”
Another senior security adviser in Mogadishu stressed caution, noting that Somalia is still rebuilding after decades of conflict.
“Hosting sensitive military tests could raise serious concerns domestically and internationally. The government would need to carefully evaluate the legal, environmental, and security implications,” the adviser said.
The African Union has not issued an official statement, but a diplomatic source familiar with AU discussions said the issue could attract attention if confirmed.
“The African Union generally encourages transparency and dialogue in matters that may affect regional stability,” the source said. “Any development involving strategic weapons in the Horn of Africa would likely be closely monitored.”
Similarly, a spokesperson linked to the United Nations expressed concern about the broader implications of missile testing in fragile regions.
“We urge all member states to act in accordance with international law and to consider the potential impact on peace and security, particularly in regions recovering from conflict,” the spokesperson said.
If the test proceeds, Turkey would move closer to joining a small group of nations possessing intercontinental-range missile capabilities, including the United States, Russia and China — countries that dominate the global strategic weapons landscape.
Analysts say the development reflects Turkey’s ambition to expand its influence not only regionally but globally, combining military modernization with an assertive foreign policy. The missile programme is also seen as part of a wider effort to boost Turkey’s aerospace capabilities, including plans to develop indigenous satellites for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
“This is about strategic independence and deterrence,” said a regional security analyst. “But it also risks contributing to an arms competition, particularly in regions already facing instability.”
The reported plan comes amid expanding Turkish engagement in Africa, spanning military cooperation, infrastructure development, and humanitarian assistance. However, observers warn that introducing advanced weapons testing into the Horn of Africa could increase geopolitical tensions and raise new security concerns.
As Turkey continues to position itself as a rising defense power, the planned missile test — if confirmed — could mark a significant milestone with far-reaching regional and global implications.
