Turkey’s Bayraktar TB2 drone maker meets Somali leaders in Mogadishu
Source: Hiiraan Online, Wednesday October 2, 2024
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (left) receives a ceremonial gift from Haluk Bayraktar (right), CEO of Baykar Technologies, during a meeting in Mogadishu aimed at bolstering Somalia-Turkey defence ties.
Mogadishu (HOL) — Haluk Bayraktar, CEO of Turkey’s defence giant Baykar and manufacturer of the internationally renowned Bayraktar TB2 drone, visited Mogadishu over the weekend, signalling the strengthening of ties in the already robust relationship between Somalia and Turkey.
Bayraktar was greeted warmly by Somalia’s Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur and later met with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. While the specific details of their discussions remain undisclosed, Bayraktar emphasized that the visit reflects a new phase in Somalia-Turkey relations following the signing of a recent Defense and Economic Cooperation Agreement.
The meeting illustrates Turkey’s deepening involvement in Somalia, particularly through its support in military and economic sectors. Bayraktar drones, produced by his company, have become the flagbearer of Turkey’s burgeoning defence industry. Baykar’s signature product, the Bayraktar TB2 drone, is a globally recognized unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that has gained international prominence in recent years after being deployed successfully in several high-profile conflicts. Haluk and his brother Selçuk Bayraktar manage the TB2 program.
In a social media post following his visit, Bayraktar highlighted Turkey’s strong ties with Somalia, noting that Turkey’s largest embassy is located in Mogadishu. He reflected on Turkey’s pivotal role in aiding Somalia during its 2011 famine, saying, “While the world was ignoring the hunger crisis in Somalia, our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited Somalia and changed the fate of the country.”
Since then, Turkish investment in Somalia has surged, with Turkish companies managing critical infrastructure, including air and sea ports, and providing essential services.
Turkey’s military support to Somalia has been extensive, with the opening of its largest overseas military base, Camp TurkSom, in Mogadishu. Over the past decade, Turkish forces have trained thousands of Somali soldiers, including special forces units. The introduction of Turkish drones in Somalia’s military arsenal began in 2021, when the country received its first batch of Bayraktar TB2 drones. Initially used for surveillance and intelligence-gathering, the drones quickly proved crucial in Somalia’s fight against the al-Qaeda-linked militant group Al-Shabaab.
In 2022, Somalia confirmed that Turkish drones were deployed in direct combat against Al-Shabaab during a major military offensive. According to Somalia’s Interior Minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, Turkish drones provided critical aerial support in operations that have resulted in the capture of dozens of villages and the deaths of hundreds of Al-Shabaab fighters.
Haluk Bayraktar, CEO of Baykar Technologies (center, in suit), poses with Somali Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur (third from the right) and Turkish military officials outside the Turkish embassy in Mogadishu during his visit to strengthen military cooperation between Turkey and Somalia.
The Bayraktar TB2, a medium-altitude, long-endurance drone, has been a game-changer in modern warfare, notably for their role in the Ukraine conflict. Its cost-effectiveness—priced at $2 million to $5 million, depending on the configuration, compared to the $32 million for a U.S.-made Reaper—makes it a practical choice for countries like Somalia with limited defence budgets.
The TB2’s advanced missile systems and ability to operate at altitudes of up to 25,000 feet and remain airborne for 27 hours provide militaries with critical intelligence and strike capabilities. Bayraktar drones have already proven their mettle in other conflict zones, including Syria, Libya, and Ukraine. Military analysts credit the drones for turning the tide in Azerbaijan’s conflict with Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh.
Turkey’s military was the first to adopt Bayraktar’s drones, using them in operations against Kurdish militants inside and outside the country. The TB2s are now in use in 24 countries.
The increasing demand for Turkish drones extends beyond combat zones. In May, NATO member Poland signed an agreement to purchase 24 TB2 drones, underscoring their versatility and effectiveness in modern military operations. According to Reuters, Poland’s defence minister hailed the drones for their combat capabilities, and there are indications that other nations, including Saudi Arabia, are also exploring potential drone deals with Turkey.
While the drones have become a vital tool in modern warfare, Haluk Bayraktar has expressed a degree of reluctance about their use in conflict. “War is a bitter thing,” he said, reflecting on the loss of life in warfare. However, he noted the importance of self-defence, saying, “When you’re under heavy attack, the only way to protect yourself is through advanced technology.”
Baykar’s growth aligns with President Erdoğan’s vision to make Turkey a dominant player in the global drone market, particularly in the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia, where it seeks to expand its military and economic influence.
Defence analysts have noted that Turkey’s military presence in Somalia could potentially rival that of the United States, particularly as the Turkish government seeks to solidify its position as a dominant drone power globally.