Somalia Navy Force Aviation and Air Defence Systems

Somalia Navy Force Aviation and Air Defence Systems

In the current Somali security architecture, the federal government is in the process of re-establishing sovereign aerial and maritime capabilities. Dedicated "Naval Aviation" does not yet exist as an independent branch; instead, maritime patrol and coastal support missions are performed by recently inducted federal helicopters and regional paramilitary wings in Puntland.

SOMALI NAVAL AVIATION & AIR DEFENCE

Personnel: ε13,900 (Somali National Army total); ε1,000 (Puntland Maritime Police). Status: Re-establishing / Operational Support. Strategy: Maritime domain awareness, coastal surveillance, and internal stabilization focused on countering insurgent activities.

Forces by Role & Equipment by Type

• HELICOPTER (Federal Aviation Support) Multi-role & Tactical Support:

• 2 Bell 412.
  • (Note: These federal assets provide the first listed military aerial capability for Somalia since 2008).

• AIRCRAFT (Regional / Puntland Maritime Police) Maritime Patrol & Light Transport:

• 3 Ayres S2R.
• 1 Douglas DC-3.

• HELICOPTER (Regional / Puntland Maritime Police) Multi-role:

• 1 Aerospatiale SA316 Alouette III.

• AIR DEFENCE SYSTEMS (GROUND-BASED) Anti-Aircraft Artillery (Guns):

• 23mm ZU-23-2.
  • (Note: These systems are utilized by both Federal and Somaliland forces for point defense and direct fire support during coastal operations).

• Principal Naval & Coastal Combatants (Aviation Capable)

All operational Somali patrol vessels are currently reported to be under 10 tonnes Full Load Displacement (FLD).

• Coast Guard / Maritime Police:

• Offshore/Inshore Patrol Boats: Numerous light units utilized by the Federal Coast Guard and regional forces in Puntland and Somaliland.

Strategic Note: By 2026, the re-establishment of sovereign maritime and aerial capabilities remains a primary objective for the Somali Federal Government. Current maritime security is performed primarily by the Coast Guard and regional forces using light patrol vessels, while high-readiness aviation support is provided by the recently re-established federal rotary-wing fleet. Somalia remains heavily reliant on international assistance, with Turkiye maintaining a significant military training facility in Mogadishu and the United States providing mentoring for elite units like the Danab Brigade. Regional paramilitary units in Puntland and Somaliland continue to maintain legacy equipment, though its serviceability is frequently reported as poor or inoperable. The country currently possesses no domestic defense-industrial capability.