Turkey is constructing a combined space and ballistic missile launch facility in central Somalia that will support its satellite program while serving as a test range for long-range missiles, according to a report published Wednesday by the French newspaper Le Monde.

Officially presented in December 2025 as a technology partnership between Somalia and Turkey, the spaceport represents the latest stage in a decade-long effort to establish Somalia as a strategic forward base for Turkish operations.

Work on the facility began in mid-October 2025 near Warsheikh, roughly 70 kilometers north of Mogadishu, completing 15 years of political, military and economic engagement by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and expanding the reach of Ankara's ballistic missile capabilities.

Shortly after construction started, Erdogan and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud formalized a space cooperation agreement that builds on the countries' established partnership.

New launch site raises security concerns for Israel

An analysis by the Middle East Forum in May concluded that a missile testing installation at this location would bring large portions of Africa and the Middle East within striking distance, carrying direct implications for Israel amid rising tensions with Turkey.

Although the facility is intended for systems limited to a 2,000 km range, which excludes Israel, the capability would still cover Somaliland, a territory that receives military support from Israel.

Erdogan has intensified his criticism of Israel in recent months and has issued repeated warnings of possible Turkish military involvement against the country.

Last month US President Donald Trump noted the strained ties, stating that Turkey had sought to enter the conflict with Iran but agreed at his urging to remain uninvolved.

Erdogan's statements are viewed as part of a broader strategy to present Turkey as a leading advocate for Palestinian interests.