The Turkish government plans to send Bayraktar Akıncı drones to Somalia this week after a request from the Somali federal government, according to reports from Turkish Century and the Wall of Africa Journal.
The Akinci drones, which are unmanned aerial vehicles, are more powerful than the existing TB-2s, with additional combat capabilities, but the government has not yet succeeded in having a functioning air force, or military experts familiar with the use of drones.
The Akinci aircraft are designed to help contain the rapid advance of extremist groups and support counter-terrorism operations.
The aircraft, which is more advanced and capable than the TB-2, is part of an effort to strengthen the Somali National Army’s capabilities in the fight against terrorist groups.
Somali military officials who confirmed the news declined to confirm the number of aircraft, but other sources cited two aircraft.
The move reflects Turkey’s growing role in ensuring Somalia’s security.
