By Asha Elmi

MOGADISHU, June 4, 2025 – According to Middle East Eye, three T129 Atak helicopters have arrived in Somalia this week, as part of Turkey’s commitment to strengthen its support for Somalia.

The report stated that Somali pilots have received training from Turkey for a year to operate the T129 Atak helicopters, with the helicopters arriving after completing their final training.

“Sources familiar with the matter told Middle East Eye that Ankara has delivered three T129 Atak helicopters to the Somali government this month,” the report stated.

The report also mentioned that Turkey has provided Somalia’s Naval Forces with two service helicopters as part of a defense agreement signed between the two countries in February 2024. This agreement allows Turkey to help develop Somalia’s naval capabilities.

However, the governments of Somalia and Turkey have not officially commented on the delivery of the helicopters as of now.

This development comes after President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia held a phone conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan earlier this week, during which Erdogan reaffirmed his country’s support for Somalia’s fight against militants.

The Somali government is currently engaged in ongoing combat with the Al-Shabaab group, particularly in the central regions of the country.