ISTANBUL: Turkiye has deployed F-16 fighter jets to Somalia, officials told AFP on Thursday, as Ankara seeks to expand its military footprint in the Horn of Africa.&nbsp;Ankara is a key ally of Somalia, providing extensive <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-open-to-trilateral-defense-deal-with-saudi-arabia-turkiye-in-future-harraj" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">military</a> and economic support to the country, which has been ravaged by civil war since the early 1990s.&nbsp;&quot;Turkey has deployed F-16 jets in Somalia,&quot; a government official told AFP, without giving further details.&nbsp;A second official, also speaking on condition of anonymity, said the aircraft would be operated by the Turkish contingent stationed in Somalia.&nbsp;&quot;This is for our own security,&quot; the source said, stressing that the jets would not be flown by Somali personnel.&nbsp;Turkiye opened its largest overseas military base in the Somali capital Mogadishu in 2017.&nbsp;Ankara maintains a task force and an air component command there &quot;to contribute to the development of Somalia&#39;s counter-terrorism capacity through military assistance, training and advisory activities&quot;, according to the Turkish defense ministry.&nbsp;The deployment follows Turkiye&#39;s condemnation of Israel&#39;s recognition of Somaliland, a self-proclaimed republic, calling it &quot;overt interference in Somalia&#39;s domestic affairs&quot;.&nbsp;Somaliland declared independence in 1991, as Somalia was plunged into chaos following the fall of dictator Siad Barre.&nbsp;The region has operated autonomously since then and possesses its own currency, army and police force.&nbsp;It has generally experienced greater stability than Somalia, where Al-Shabaab Islamist militants periodically mount attacks in Mogadishu.&nbsp;Diplomatic isolation has been the norm -- until Israel&#39;s move to recognize it as a sovereign nation, which has been criticized by the African Union, Egypt, the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council and the Saudi-based Organization of Islamic Cooperation.&nbsp;The European Union has insisted Somalia&#39;s sovereignty should be respected.

Asia

Turkiye has deployed F-16 fighter jets to Somalia, operated by Turkish forces, to bolster its military presence and security role, amid regional tensions over Somaliland’s recognition and ongoing efforts to support Somalia’s counterterrorism capacity there.

Turkiye deploys F-16 jets in Somalia to expand its military footprint

Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan deployed F-16 <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistans-jf17-takes-the-spotlight-at-dubai-airshow-mou-signed-with-friendly-country-1" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">fighter jets</a> to Saudi Arabia for a multinational combat exercise involving forces from 11 countries, the country&rsquo;s military media wing said on Monday. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani contingent arrived at King Abdulaziz Air Base with air and ground crews to join Exercise Spears of Victory-2026. Saudi Arabia, France, Italy, Greece, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, the United Kingdom, and the United States are also participating. The exercise will <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/saudi-defense-delegation-visits-pakistan-highlighting-strong-bilateral-military-ties" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">train</a> forces on large-scale operations, night missions, and electronic warfare. It aims to improve coordination and operational capabilities among the participating air forces. Modern avionics&nbsp;Pakistan&#39;s F-16 Block-52 aircraft flew nonstop from their home base, demonstrating the air force&#39;s long-range capabilities, the ISPR stated.&nbsp; The jets carry modern avionics and beyond visual range weapons systems. Pakistani pilots will train against aircrews flying various advanced combat aircraft during the exercise. The statement said the drills will test Pakistan&#39;s readiness in modern combat conditions. The ISPR stated the deployment reflects Pakistan&#39;s commitment to <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-open-to-trilateral-defense-deal-with-saudi-arabia-turkiye-in-future-harraj" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">military cooperation</a> with regional and international partners.

Security

The multinational exercise involves 11 countries, focusing on large-scale operations, night missions, electronic warfare, and advanced combat training, while aiming to enhance coordination and readiness among all participating air forces.

Articles tagged with "F-16 fighter jets"

Turkiye deploys F-16 jets in Somalia to expand its military footprint

Pakistan’s F-16s arrive in Saudi Arabia for combat exercise