UAE Radar Deployment in Somalia: Strategic Military Move
**The United Arab Emirates has made a significant military move by deploying an Israeli-made radar system in northeastern Somalia. Reports confirm that this advanced radar has been stationed near the Puntland Naval Forces Headquarters, just a stone’s throw from Bosaso Air Base. This strategic placement raises eyebrows about the UAE’s intentions amid the ongoing instability in the Horn of Africa, according to information released through various intelligence channels.**
The radar in question is the ELM-2084 3D, a sophisticated piece of technology designed for broad-area surveillance. Sources indicate that the purpose of this deployment is to bolster the security of Bosaso Airport against potential threats, particularly from Houthi forces operating in Yemen. This deployment is not merely precautionary; satellite images have verified the radar’s presence in the area since March of this year.
Public air traffic patterns have shown a marked increase in the UAE’s logistical operations at Bosaso Airport. This uptick correlates with ongoing military support to Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have been engaged in a fierce conflict with the Sudanese Army for over two years. The situation became more complex earlier this year when the Sudanese government filed a case against the UAE at the International Court of Justice, accusing it of complicity in genocide due to its support of the RSF.
Despite these serious allegations, the UAE firmly denies any military backing for the RSF. A regional source cited by Middle East Eye stated that the radar was installed shortly after the RSF lost significant ground in Khartoum in March. The primary purpose of the radar appears to be to monitor drone and missile threats, enabling early detection of any potential Houthi attacks aimed at Bosaso.
While confirms have yet to be obtained to verify the precise timeline of the radar’s installation, discussions point to a growing military footprint of the UAE in the region. Another informant emphasized that Bosaso Airport has become an operational hub for daily flights supporting RSF logistics, with large cargo planes frequently arriving to transport weapons and supplies—sometimes conducting multiple shipments simultaneously.
Despite requests for commentary from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, no official response has been forthcoming. In a related turn of events, Puntland State Minister Abdifatah Abdinur has opted to remain tight-lipped on the radar situation, instead choosing to post satirical remarks concerning Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, further complicating the public narrative surrounding these military developments.
