Somalia, Pakistan Discuss Building Air Force and Air Defence Capability

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia and Pakistan have discussed expanding military cooperation as Mogadishu works to rebuild an air force and develop the capacity to defend the country’s airspace.

Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre held talks in Mogadishu with a Pakistani delegation led by Air Marshal Muhammad Sarfraz, Pakistan’s Air Defence Commander and Deputy Commander of the Pakistan Air Force.

The talks focused on training Somali personnel, developing the country’s air force and improving the institutional capacity needed to establish an effective air-defence system.

The discussions come as the federal government seeks to rebuild the country’s armed forces after decades in which national security has depended heavily on international military support.

The development of an air component would add another layer to Somalia’s security capabilities, which have largely centred on ground forces as government troops and international partners conduct operations against Al-Shabaab.

Prime Minister Barre said Somalia was committed to building and equipping its armed forces and strengthening their ability to take greater responsibility for national security.

The meeting also points to Pakistan’s potential role in Somalia’s longer-term military development. Islamabad has extensive experience in air-force training and air-defence operations, while Somalia has been seeking international partnerships to develop specialised capabilities within its security institutions.

The two sides did not announce details of possible aircraft, air-defence equipment, funding arrangements or a timetable for the development of the proposed capabilities.

The talks are therefore focused primarily on cooperation, training and capacity-building at a time when Somalia is seeking to broaden its defence partnerships and develop a more self-reliant national security system.