By HAN News Desk
MOGADISHU — A Turkish military cargo aircraft landed Monday at the main airport in Somalia’s capital, in a move that analysts say highlights growing defense cooperation between the two countries.
The aircraft, identified as an Airbus A400M Atlas transport plane operated by the Turkish Air Force, touched down at Aden Adde International Airport after departing from the Kayseri Erkilet Air Base in central Turkey, aviation tracking sources and local officials said.
While officials did not immediately disclose details about the cargo or mission, the arrival is widely believed to be linked to ongoing military cooperation between Somalia and Turkey, including training, logistics support and defense capacity building.
Turkey has played a key role in helping rebuild Somalia’s security forces over the past decade. Ankara operates one of its largest overseas military training facilities in Mogadishu, where thousands of Somali soldiers have received training as the government works to strengthen national security institutions.
Security analysts say the arrival of a large military transport aircraft such as the A400M — designed to carry troops, armored vehicles and humanitarian supplies — suggests the delivery may involve military equipment, training materials or logistical support for Somali forces.
Somali authorities have in recent years expanded defense partnerships with several allies as the country continues efforts to modernize its armed forces and improve security operations against militant groups.
Officials in Mogadishu have not yet issued a detailed statement about Monday’s flight, but government and defense sources say cooperation between Somalia and Turkey is expected to grow further as both countries deepen strategic ties in security, infrastructure and regional stability.
