Defence cooperation between Türkiye and Somalia has entered a new phase with the inclusion of heavy armored capabilities in training programs. The Turkish Armed Forces have expanded their support for Somalia’s elite Gorgor Commandos by providing specialized training on main battle tanks and heavy armored platforms. This development shows that the Somali army is preparing not only for asymmetric counterterrorism operations but also for more conventional land warfare capabilities.

Training activities are being conducted between the TURKSOM Military Training Academy in Mogadishu and commando training centers in Türkiye. While the program previously focused mainly on infantry and commando training, it now includes heavy armored vehicle maintenance, tank operations, tactical maneuver skills and the use of armored units in the field. The training provided by Turkish instructors aims to improve both the quality of Somali National Army personnel and their ability to operate heavy platforms effectively.

According to reports, Türkiye delivered approximately 10 to 15 M48 and M60 Patton main battle tanks to Mogadishu Port on February 14, 2026, using the landing ship TCG Sancaktar. With this delivery, the Somali National Army regained tracked heavy armor capacity for the first time since the collapse of the state structure in the 1990s. In addition to tanks, Türkiye had previously delivered at least 20 BMC Kirpi mine-resistant armored vehicles to Somalia.

A significant portion of the delivered tanks reportedly consists of modernized M48A5T2 tanks formerly used by the Turkish Armed Forces. These platforms are equipped with a 105 mm M68 rifled gun, thermal fire control system, laser rangefinder and stabilization system capable of accurate firing while on the move. Thanks to diesel engine modernization, the tanks can reportedly reach a maximum speed of around 48 kilometers per hour and an operational range of approximately 499 kilometers.

However, as older-generation tanks lack modern active protection systems, they require careful use against threats such as anti-tank guided missiles and improvised explosive devices. In a challenging security environment such as Somalia, deploying heavy armored vehicles alone is not sufficient. Maintenance, spare parts, logistics planning and trained personnel support are also critical. For this reason, Turkish instructors have reportedly included technical maintenance modules directly in the training program.

Türkiye’s defence support for Somalia is not limited to land platforms. Reports also state that Türkiye recently delivered three T-129 ATAK attack helicopters and two utility helicopters for the Somali Navy. These deliveries were reportedly carried out under the defence agreement signed in February 2024. Together, these steps aim to help Somalia build a more comprehensive security capacity covering land, air and naval elements.

The planned withdrawal of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia in mid-2026 makes it necessary for the Somali National Army to assume greater security responsibility. In this process, Türkiye’s role through the TURKSOM base in Mogadishu stands out as a central element in the restructuring of Somalia’s military. Tank and armored vehicle training for Gorgor Commandos is considered a strategic step that will strengthen Somalia’s conventional military capabilities alongside its counterterrorism capacity.

Türkiye’s expansion of armored training support to Somalia highlights Ankara’s emphasis on long-term capacity building in African security partnerships. The combined provision of tanks, armored vehicles, helicopters and training support will contribute to a more effective, independent and sustainable Somali National Army. This cooperation represents a new level in Türkiye-Somalia defence relations and serves as a strong example of sharing Turkish Armed Forces training and capacity-building experience with friendly countries.