The United Arab Emirates has secretly installed a sophisticated Israeli-made radar system at its Bosaso Air Base in Somalia’s Puntland region, marking a significant expansion of its military and strategic presence in the Horn of Africa, according to local defense analysts seen by the Wall Africa Journal.
The radar system, known as the ELM-2084 3D Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA), is one of the most advanced surveillance systems in use worldwide. Capable of tracking aircraft, missiles, drones, and artillery fire simultaneously, it boasts a detection range of up to 470 kilometers and the ability to monitor over 1,000 targets in real-time.
While neither the UAE nor Puntland authorities have officially acknowledged the deployment, the development has been verified through satellite imagery and open-source intelligence channels, corroborated by military analysts based in the region.
The radar’s presence in Puntland comes at a time of increased geopolitical competition in the Horn of Africa, where global powers such as Türkiye, Qatar, and China are expanding their influence. The UAE’s increasing engagement with Puntland—an autonomous region with limited cooperation with Somalia’s central government—has raised questions about the motives behind this growing military presence.
Local analysts have raised concerns about Israel’s indirect involvement, pointing out that the radar system, produced by Israel Aerospace Industries, could signal an expansion of Israeli influence in Somalia through its UAE proxy. “The radar deployment shows how the UAE and Israel are deepening their cooperation in the Horn of Africa,” said one analyst, adding that this arrangement circumvents the formal diplomatic ties that Somalia lacks with Israel.
The strategic importance of Puntland, located near the Gulf of Aden—a critical maritime trade route—has made it a key area of interest for global powers. The UAE has operated Bosaso Air Base since 2017, initially to assist with counter-piracy operations and train Puntland’s maritime forces. The addition of the ELM-2084 radar indicates an expanded role for the UAE, likely focused on enhancing regional security and monitoring maritime traffic, which is vital for both trade and military purposes.
The radar’s deployment aligns with broader regional security concerns, including the risk of missile attacks, piracy, and the threat of drone warfare, particularly from groups like the Houthis in Yemen. Although the system’s capabilities could help monitor these threats, its presence is also seen as a potential tool for gathering intelligence on rival regional powers, such as those operating in nearby Djibouti or Yemen.
The UAE’s growing presence in Puntland and its use of Israeli defense technology reflect a shift in the region’s security dynamics. As the UAE deepens its role in Puntland, its influence continues to bypass Somalia’s federal government in Mogadishu, which has historically been wary of foreign military operations within its borders.
Critics argue that the radar system could exacerbate tensions between Puntland and Mogadishu, further complicating the delicate political balance in Somalia. On the other hand, supporters contend that the radar enhances local security, helping to protect Puntland’s vital infrastructure and maritime routes from a range of evolving threats.
The radar’s arrival is another step in the UAE’s broader strategy to secure its interests in the Horn of Africa, a region that has become a geopolitical battleground due to its strategic location and economic significance. The full impact of the radar’s deployment will depend on how it is used in both local security efforts and the UAE’s regional ambitions.
For now, the ELM-2084 radar marks a new phase in the military dynamics of Puntland and the Horn of Africa, highlighting the increasing convergence of technology, geopolitics, and defense strategy in one of Africa’s most volatile regions.