Turkey Launches First Overseas Deep-Sea Drilling in Somalia, Takes Command of Major NATO Naval Force

Turkey Launches First Overseas Deep-Sea Drilling in Somalia, Takes Command of Major NATO Naval Force Turkey is simultaneously expanding its strategic reach on the high seas, launching its first-ever overseas deep-sea drilling operation in Somalia while assuming command of a key NATO naval strike force. The drillship *Cagri Bey* has arrived in Somali waters to begin the historic offshore exploration, marking a major expansion of Turkey's energy and geopolitical ambitions [125884][124778]. The mission, stemming from a 2024 bilateral energy and maritime deal, aims to explore for oil and gas reserves in Somalia's coastal waters [125884]. Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar declared the operation a "new chapter" in energy cooperation, which could reduce Turkey's reliance on foreign energy imports if successful [124778]. Concurrently, the Turkish Naval Forces formally took command of NATO's Amphibious Task Force and its Landing Force Command on July 1 [54453]. In this role, which will last for one year, Turkey will be responsible for planning and leading NATO exercises and potential missions involving complex assaults from sea to land [54453]. The dual maritime moves highlight Ankara's growing profile as a regional power with both economic and military capabilities. The Somali drilling project strengthens Turkey's already substantial economic and political investments in the Horn of Africa nation, where it is a key investor in military, education, and infrastructure projects [125884]. Meanwhile, Turkish forces are actively participating in major NATO readiness exercises, showcasing domestically produced defense technology. Approximately 2,000 Turkish troops deployed to Germany for the Steadfast Defender 24 drills, NATO's largest exercise this year [70222]. In a separate drill, Turkish naval and army units conducted joint amphibious operations in Germany as part of exercise Steadfast Dart 2026, operating alongside other allied nations [80228]. Turkey Begins Somalia's First Offshore Oil Drilling Turkey's Deep-Sea Drillship Heads to Somalia in Strategic Energy Push Turkey Assumes Command of Key NATO Naval Strike Force NATO's Biggest 2024 Drill Begins with Turkish Troops Landing in Germany Turkish Forces Deploy Homegrown Tech in Major NATO Drill