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Türkiye is set to construct a spaceport in Somalia, marking a significant step in its space and defense ambitions, officials announced. The facility, led by the Türkiye Space Agency (TUA), will serve as a launch site for rockets and a testing ground for long-range missiles, with construction expected to begin soon.
In December 2024, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced the project in Mogadishu, highlighting its role as a collaborative effort with Türkiye.
According to Türkiye Daily, the Türkiye Space Agency will oversee the development of the spaceport, which is poised to become Africa’s first space launch facility. A 900-square-kilometer area along the Indian Ocean coast has been allocated for the project, with its equatorial location ideal for efficient space launches.
The spaceport’s construction is expected to commence following a bidding process in the coming weeks. Authorities project completion within two years, with costs estimated at $350 million across multiple phases. The facility’s strategic position near the equator will allow launches with less fuel and greater payload capacity, officials said.
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The spaceport will also support Türkiye’s defense objectives, serving as a testing site for long-range missiles. Its Indian Ocean-facing location minimizes risks, as rocket debris will not threaten populated areas or neighboring countries. Missiles with ranges exceeding 1,000 kilometers are planned for testing, with launches directed over the ocean.
Türkiye's current longest-range missile, TAYFUN, has a maximum range of 800 kilometers. In its first test, conducted from Rize, it achieved a 561-kilometer range, according to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
"We will increase our stock of 800-kilometer missiles and accelerate the development of 2,000-kilometer missiles," Erdogan said. The Somali spaceport will play a key role in testing these advanced systems.
By establishing the Somali spaceport, Türkiye aims to position itself as a significant player in the global space race while also enhancing its strategic defense capabilities.
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