BAIDOA, Somalia — July 18, 2026 —Turkey is reportedly preparing to establish a military facility for its F-16 fighter aircraft at Baidoa Airport in Somalia’s South West State, according to security and aviation sources familiar with the plans. The proposed project includes expanding the airport’s runway and constructing aircraft hangars, marking what would be another significant step in the growing defense partnership between Ankara and Mogadishu.

Latest Developments

According to sources familiar with the project, Turkey has selected a section of Baidoa Airport as the preferred location for the proposed military facility rather than Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport.

The sources said the decision was based on operational and security considerations. They stated that Turkish officials view Aden Adde International Airport as increasingly congested because it serves as Somalia’s main civilian and military aviation hub. They also cited concerns that any security incident affecting the airport could disrupt military and civilian operations.

Officials familiar with the discussions said Baidoa offers greater operational flexibility and space for dedicated military infrastructure while reducing dependence on the country’s busiest airport.

The reported plans have not yet been officially confirmed by either the Turkish government or Somalia’s Federal Government.

According to sources, Ankara is expected to invest more than $5 million in airport infrastructure as part of the project.

The funding would reportedly be used to expand the runway, improve supporting infrastructure, and construct a dedicated hangar and maintenance area capable of housing Turkish F-16 fighter aircraft and supporting military operations.

A construction company already operating in Mogadishu is expected to carry out the work, according to individuals familiar with the proposed agreement.

If completed, the project would significantly expand Turkey’s military infrastructure in Somalia beyond its existing facilities in Mogadishu.

Strategic Importance of Baidoa

Baidoa serves as the administrative capital of Somalia’s South West State and has long been regarded as one of the country’s most important security centers.

The city hosts Somali security forces, regional authorities, and international partners involved in stabilization efforts across Bay, Bakool, and Lower Shabelle regions.

Its location provides relatively quick access to several areas where Somali government forces continue operations against the militant group Al-Shabaab.

Security analysts have frequently described Baidoa as one of Somalia’s most strategically important inland cities because of its military significance and transport links.

Government Response

Neither Ankara nor Somali federal authorities have publicly announced the reported project.

Officials contacted by local media had not issued formal statements by the time of publication.

The absence of official confirmation means details regarding the timeline, construction schedule, and future operational role of the facility remain unclear.

Background to Somalia-Turkey Defense Cooperation

Turkey has become one of Somalia’s closest international security partners during the past decade.

Ankara has invested heavily in Somalia through military training, infrastructure development, humanitarian assistance, education, and economic cooperation.

Turkey operates one of its largest overseas military training facilities in Mogadishu, where thousands of Somali soldiers have received professional military instruction.

The two countries have also expanded cooperation in maritime security, defense training, and strategic infrastructure projects in recent years.

The reported Baidoa project would represent another stage in that expanding relationship by extending Turkish military infrastructure beyond the capital.

African Union Mission Faces Financial Pressure

The reported plans come as Somalia’s security transition enters a critical phase.

The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia has been facing significant financial constraints following uncertainty surrounding international funding.

Current planning anticipates that, after December 31, 2026, Somalia and African troop-contributing countries will assume greater responsibility for security operations as U.S. financial support for the African Union mission is expected to end.

The evolving security environment has prompted Somali authorities and international partners to examine new ways of strengthening national defense capabilities and maintaining operational readiness.

The reported project is expected to move into the planning and engineering phase if approvals are finalized by the relevant authorities.

Construction timelines, operational responsibilities, and the future deployment of Turkish military aircraft have not been publicly disclosed.

Observers are likely to watch closely for official announcements from both governments regarding the reported investment and any broader defense agreements linked to the proposed facility.

If implemented, the proposed F-16 facility would expand Turkey’s military presence in Somalia beyond Mogadishu and provide additional operational capacity in one of the country’s key security regions. It would also reflect the continued growth of bilateral defense cooperation at a time when Somalia is preparing for a greater security role with reduced international support.

The reported investment could strengthen military infrastructure in South West State while improving logistical capabilities for future joint operations. Airport upgrades may also enhance Baidoa’s long-term strategic importance within Somalia’s national security framework.

The timing is notable because Somalia is entering a period of transition as international partners gradually reduce their direct security role. New defense infrastructure could become increasingly important as Somali forces and regional allies assume greater responsibility for maintaining stability after the planned changes to international support arrangements.