MOGADISHU, Somalia : A strategic airlift aircraft operated by the Qatari Emiri Air Force has delivered an advanced Turkish air defense radar system to Somalia, marking a further step in expanding defense cooperation between Ankara, Doha, and Mogadishu. The Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft landed at Aden Adde International Airport carrying the ASELSAN ALP-100G radar system supplied by the Turkish government.
The radar deployment is intended to secure a planned Turkish satellite and missile launch facility near Warsheekh in Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region, located approximately 60 kilometers north of the capital. Local and defense sources confirmed that the system will form part of the protective air defense architecture for the site.
Technical Specifications of the ALP-100G Radar
The delivered system, the ALP-100G, is a modern Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) low-altitude early-warning radar developed by Turkish defense manufacturer Aselsan. It operates in the S-Band frequency spectrum and is designed to function as a primary search radar for ground-based air defense units while also serving as a gap-filler radar within longer-range integrated air defense networks.
According to technical data, the ALP-100G offers a detection range exceeding 185 kilometers (115 miles). The radar provides three-dimensional (3D) tracking capability, enabling detection and monitoring of low-flying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), fighter aircraft, hovering helicopters, and cruise missiles.
The system can simultaneously track more than 1,000 targets and offers elevation coverage from –6 degrees to +70 degrees. Designed for high mobility, the radar is typically mounted on an 8x8 tactical wheeled vehicle platform and can be transported via heavy cargo aircraft for rapid deployment.
Expanded Turkish Military Deployments in Somalia
The radar delivery follows a series of military hardware transfers and personnel deployments from Turkey to Somalia under a growing bilateral defense framework.
In late January, the Turkish Air Force deployed a detachment of upgraded F-16 fighter aircraft to Mogadishu. This marked the first deployment of Turkish manned combat aircraft on Somali territory.
In mid-February, the Turkish Navy landing ship TCG Sancaktar transported M48 and M60 Patton main battle tanks to the Port of Mogadishu. The armored vehicles are intended to support the Somali National Army and provide security for Turkish military installations.
Additionally, Turkish Airbus A400M Atlas cargo aircraft have conducted multiple logistical supply flights to Mogadishu, delivering personnel and supporting equipment from Turkey’s air, naval, and ground forces.
Maritime Deployments and Offshore Energy Protection
Alongside ground and air deployments, Turkey has reinforced its naval presence in Somali territorial waters. The Turkish Ministry of Defense confirmed the deployment of several naval assets, including the landing ship TCG Sancaktar, the frigate TCG Gökova, and the patrol vessel TCG Bafra.
These vessels are operating off the Somali coast and in the Gulf of Aden, providing logistical support, securing newly constructed military facilities, and safeguarding offshore economic interests.
The naval task force is also assigned to escort the Turkish deep-sea drilling vessel Çağrı Bey, which is scheduled to commence offshore oil and hydrocarbon exploration operations in Somali waters following the completion of seismic survey operations.
Integrated Defense Cooperation
The arrival of the ALP-100G radar system, combined with recent air, land, and maritime deployments, reflects structured and expanding defense cooperation between Turkey, Qatar, and Somalia. The integration of advanced radar systems, combat aircraft, armored units, logistical airlift operations, and naval assets indicates a coordinated security framework aimed at protecting strategic military infrastructure and supporting planned satellite, missile, and offshore energy projects in Somalia.
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