Somalia, Pakistan Deepen Defence Ties with Focus on Military Technology and Officer Training

GOOBJOOG NEWS | ISLAMABAD: Somalia and Pakistan have moved to strengthen defence cooperation with a focus on military technology, defence manufacturing and professional military education, as Mogadishu seeks to modernise its armed forces through a broader network of international partnerships.

The latest discussions took place during an official visit by Somalia’s Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, who led a high-level delegation to meetings with Pakistan’s state-owned defence manufacturer Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS) and the National Defence University (NDU).

Talks at GIDS centred on expanding cooperation in defence production, military technology and capacity building, with both sides exploring how Somalia could benefit from Pakistan’s expertise in advanced defence systems and defence industry development.

At the National Defence University, discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in higher military education, strategic studies and leadership training for senior officers, areas seen as critical to Somalia’s ongoing security sector reforms.

The visit builds on a defence cooperation memorandum signed earlier this week by Somalia and Pakistan, which provides a framework for collaboration on counterterrorism, military training, defence capacity building and the exchange of military expertise.

Somalia has in recent years stepped up efforts to diversify its defence partnerships as it rebuilds national security institutions after decades of conflict. The government has expanded military cooperation with countries including Türkiye, Qatar, Jordan and Pakistan, complementing long-standing support from the African Union, the United States and other international partners.

Cabinet approval of defence cooperation agreements with Pakistan, Jordan and Qatar in 2025 underscored Mogadishu’s strategy of broadening military partnerships beyond operational support to include institutional development and training.

Partnerships centred on officer education, technology transfer and institutional capacity are increasingly important as Somalia works to professionalise its armed forces and gradually assume greater responsibility for national security while continuing operations against the Al-Shabaab militant group.

Defence cooperation with countries such as Pakistan is also expected to support long-term reforms aimed at strengthening command structures, specialised training and military self-reliance.