Somalia, 13 April 2026 For a moment, residents of Mogadishu witnessed an unusual sight on Sunday—fighter jets flying overhead in a display during the 66th anniversary of the Somali National Army.
The questions many asked after the event were: Who owns these aircraft? How much do they cost? What exactly are fighter jets, and why are they important for national security?
The fighter jets, identified as F-16s, belong to the Turkish government, which maintains extensive cooperation agreements with Somalia, including in the security sector. These are military aircraft specifically designed to engage other aircraft and protect a country’s airspace, while also capable of carrying out air-to-ground strikes, as seen in various operations in Somalia.
They are defined by three key characteristics: high speed, strong maneuverability, and the ability to carry advanced weaponry such as missiles and cannons, with a payload capacity of up to around 7,000 kilograms.
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These aircraft can perform multiple roles—from air combat to ground attack—making them what are known as multi-role fighters.
The cost of a single F-16 ranges between $50 million and $80 million, while more advanced versions can exceed $100 million when equipment and support packages are included.
The participation of Turkish fighter jets in the Mogadishu ceremony underscores deepening military cooperation between Somalia and Türkiye, particularly in training and security.
The aerial display also served as a signal of ongoing efforts to strengthen Somalia’s defense capabilities and rebuild its armed forces.

