Somaliland Seeks Israeli Air Defense Systems Amid Growing Turkish Presence
Somaliland seeks air defense systems and security cooperation with Israel to counter growing Turkish military influence, amid regional tensions involving Somalia.
Somaliland is seeking to deepen security cooperation with Israel, including the acquisition of air defense systems, amid growing Turkish military presence in Somalia. Mohamed Osman Fadal, a senior foreign policy advisor to Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, made the remarks in an interview published this week by Middle East Eye.
"We need air defense systems," Fadal said. "We want Israel to support us against Turkey." According to Fadal, the deployment of Turkish F-16 fighter jets in Somalia and the expansion of Ankara's drone capabilities are among the primary reasons Hargeisa aims to strengthen its defensive posture. Turkey deployed military aircraft to Somalia this year, with three Turkish F-16s participating in an April flypast over Mogadishu during Somali Army Day celebrations.
Security ties expand following diplomatic engagement
The statements offer a rare glimpse into Somaliland's evolving relationship with Israel. In recent months, reports have intensified regarding the possibility of an Israeli military presence at the port of Berbera. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud claimed on Friday that Israel plans to establish a naval base in the city and utilize its airport.
Somaliland officials have denied the existence of any such agreement. The local defense minister stated in June that no Israeli military presence exists and no negotiations regarding a base are underway. However, he confirmed that Israel provides training to Somaliland's military and police forces.
"We need air defense systems. We want Israel to support us against Turkey." — Mohamed Osman Fadal
Strategic calculations and regional tensions
Officials in Hargeisa have described Israel as a potential counterweight to the deepening cooperation between Somalia and Turkey. Abdirahman's administration has expressed concerns that the federal government in Mogadishu might consider military action against Somaliland with Turkish backing, though this claim remains unverified and Mogadishu has announced no such invasion plans.
Turkey remains one of Somalia's key strategic allies. In 2017, Ankara opened its largest overseas military training facility in Mogadishu, training thousands of Somali security personnel. In 2024, Ankara and Mogadishu signed a decade-long defense and economic agreement focused on naval security and maritime development.
