Somalia’s New Arms From Turkey, Egypt, Serbia: What You Need to Know

Somalia has received modern military equipment and heavy weapons from Turkey, Egypt and Serbia, Somali military officials confirmed on Friday, in a move that significantly strengthens the combat readiness of the Somali Armed Forces amid ongoing security operations against armed groups.

The equipment was supplied by Turkey, Egypt and Serbia to the Somali National Army (SNA), according to Somali defense officials.

The deliveries include infantry weapons, armored vehicles, ammunition, night-vision systems, and command-and-control equipment, providing a major upgrade to Somalia’s conventional and special-operations capabilities.

The shipments were received in early January 2026, as Somali forces expanded field deployments across central and southern regions of the country.

The military support comes at a critical moment as Somalia accelerates its transition from reliance on international peacekeeping forces toward national security self-sufficiency, while also navigating rising regional and international geopolitical competition in the Horn of Africa.

Turkish support was delivered in parallel with the deployment of the Gorgor (Eagle) Commando Brigades, elite units trained by Turkey at the TURKSOM military base in Mogadishu. The synchronized arrival of equipment and trained personnel suggests Ankara is moving beyond advisory and training roles to enabling direct operational combat power on the ground.

Military sources said the new equipment has already boosted morale and operational effectiveness within frontline units.

Turkey has emerged as Somalia’s most influential security partner over the past decade, investing heavily in military training, infrastructure, and defense cooperation. Analysts say the latest shipments underline Ankara’s intent to maintain a long-term strategic foothold in the Horn of Africa, a region increasingly shaped by competition over maritime routes, Red Sea security, and political influence.

Egypt’s involvement is viewed through the lens of broader regional rivalries, particularly its strategic interests linked to the Nile Basin and Red Sea security architecture. Serbia’s contribution reflects its expanding defense exports to Africa and growing diplomatic engagement beyond Europe.

Somalia has gradually rebuilt its armed forces since the partial lifting of the United Nations arms embargo, with international partners supplying equipment under monitored arrangements. The government has repeatedly stated its goal of assuming full responsibility for national security as international missions draw down.

The latest arms deliveries signal a clear shift in Somalia’s security trajectory — from dependency toward deterrence. With advanced equipment now matched by trained elite units, Somalia’s military posture is evolving rapidly, even as the country remains a focal point of regional power politics and global strategic interest in the Horn of Africa.