ANKARA, Turkey — The Turkish government has firmly denied reports that it plans to deploy its Russian-made S-400 air defense missile systems to Somalia, dismissing claims that the advanced systems had been transferred to the Horn of Africa nation.
Speaking at a press briefing in Ankara, Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk, spokesperson for Turkey’s Ministry of National Defense, said the S-400 systems remain in Turkey and there are no plans to use them in Somalia.
“As previously stated, the S-400 air defense systems were acquired in line with the operational needs of the Turkish Armed Forces and are currently in a state of readiness,” Aktürk said. “There is no planning regarding the use of S-400 air defense systems in Somalia.”
The ministry emphasized that the systems were procured solely to meet Turkey’s national defense requirements and remain under full Turkish control. Officials urged the public and media to rely on official statements rather than what they described as repeated and unfounded reports circulating in regional media and on social platforms.
Burhanettin Duran, head of communications at the Turkish presidency, also reaffirmed Ankara’s support for Somalia, stating that any attempt to undermine Somalia’s independence, unity, and territorial integrity would be unacceptable. “Turkey stands with Somalia as it has always done,” he said.
Despite rejecting the S-400 transfer claims, Turkish authorities confirmed that defense cooperation with Somalia continues under existing agreements. The partnership includes military training, efforts to strengthen the operational capacity of Somali forces, counterterrorism cooperation, and support for maritime security.
Turkey maintains a major military training base in Somalia and has expanded its role in the country’s security and economic sectors in recent years. The two countries have also signed agreements in the energy sector, including oil exploration initiatives, as part of broader bilateral cooperation.
Officials reiterated that all Turkish activities in Somalia are conducted within the framework of signed agreements and in support of stability and institutional development.
