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Turkey's new Somalia spaceport doubles as missile range, threatening Israel - report

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Turkey is developing a dual-purpose spaceport in Somalia, serving as both a satellite launch site and a testing ground for long-range ballistic missiles.
  • The facility, located near Warsheikh, could potentially extend Turkey's missile range to cover parts of Africa and the Middle East.
  • While the current design may not reach Israel directly, it could threaten Israeli-supported Somaliland and reflects growing hostility between Turkey and Israel.

Turkey is establishing a significant military and technological presence in Somalia with the development of a new space and ballistic missile launch site. The facility, officially announced in December 2025 as a partnership between Somalia and Turkey, is designed to serve dual purposes: launching satellites for Turkey's space program and testing long-range ballistic missiles.

Construction on the base began in mid-October 2025 on the outskirts of Warsheikh, approximately 70 kilometers north of Somalia's capital. This project is the culmination of 15 years of Turkish investment under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, aimed at transforming Somalia into a strategic forward operating base. The new launch site significantly enhances Turkey's ballistic missile capabilities.

According to a report by French newspaper La Monde, a missile test facility at this location could place much of Africa and the Middle East within range. While a Middle East Forum analysis suggests the facility is designed for systems with a range of up to 2,000 km., potentially keeping Israel out of direct reach, it could threaten Somaliland, which receives military support from Israel. This development occurs amid increasing anti-Israel rhetoric from Erdogan, who has repeatedly threatened military action against Israel.

The US President Donald Trump acknowledged Erdogan's strained relationship with Israel, explaining that Turkey wanted to join the war with Iran but, at his request, agreed 'to stay out of it.'

— US President Donald Trump (as reported)Acknowledging Turkey's complex relationship with Israel and its potential involvement in regional conflicts.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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