Turkey Deploys Warships to Somalia as Offshore Oil Drilling Approaches

Somalia - Turkey

Turkey has deployed three naval warships to waters off Somalia, signaling a significant escalation in its efforts to secure offshore oil exploration and deepen its strategic presence in the Horn of Africa, according to Turkey’s Ministry of Defense.

The vessels have been positioned across Somali waters, the Gulf of Aden, and parts of the Arabian Sea to protect and support drilling operations, which are expected to begin in the coming weeks. The deployment follows Turkey’s recent dispatch of the Çağrı Bey, a drilling ship operated by its state-owned energy company, which is preparing to begin extracting oil from offshore blocks along Somalia’s coastline after completing seismic surveys last year.

The warships — TCG Sancaktar, TCG Gökova and TCG Bafra, will provide logistical support, security and military assistance as Turkey moves forward with the drilling campaign. Turkish officials have framed the naval presence as essential to safeguarding both personnel and infrastructure tied to the project.

Turkey’s expanding military footprint in Somalia was further underscored this week when a Turkish naval vessel docked at Mogadishu’s port carrying armored vehicles and other military equipment. The tanks were later seen being transported through the capital, offering a visible reminder of Ankara’s growing influence in the country and its commitment to securing major development projects.

Those projects extend beyond oil exploration. Turkish officials have also outlined plans that include building a spaceport near Mogadishu, establishing a missile testing facility and expanding offshore drilling operations, initiatives that could reshape Somalia’s economic and strategic trajectory.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is expected to visit the region as Turkey accelerates its involvement. Analysts say Ankara has spent years laying the groundwork for access to Somalia’s natural resources under agreements with the federal government, positioning itself as one of the country’s most influential international partners.

Turkey already operates its largest overseas military base in Mogadishu, where it trains Somali forces, supplies military equipment and provides operational support, including drone assistance. Somali officials have welcomed Turkey’s involvement, portraying it as a partnership that strengthens national security and opens the door to economic growth.

But critics warn that the expanding military and economic relationship carries risks. Some Somali political observers argue that the country could become overly dependent on Turkey, potentially shifting the regional balance of power and drawing Somalia deeper into geopolitical rivalries involving Middle Eastern and global actors.

As offshore drilling prepares to begin, Turkey’s warship deployment highlights not only the promise of new energy resources but also the growing strategic stakes surrounding Somalia’s untapped oil reserves and the increasingly complex alliances forming around them.