The United Arab Emirates has reportedly installed advanced Israeli-made military radar near Bosaso Airstrip in Puntland state.
The ELM-2084 radar, built by ELTA Systems—a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries—uses advanced 3D AESA scanning technology.
It was deployed at the Puntland Maritime Police Force headquarters, a key location the UAE has supported in northeastern Somalia.
The system tracks aircraft, drones, missiles, and artillery and offers real-time situational awareness with a range of about 470 kilometers.
It can track up to 1,100 targets at once and works seamlessly with missile defense systems such as Iron Dome and David’s Sling.
The deployment signals growing UAE military influence in the Horn of Africa, amid increased global interest in regional maritime routes.
Sources say the radar’s arrival was first reported by open-source intelligence monitors and Puntland-based military journalists earlier this month.
Though the UAE hasn’t officially confirmed the radar’s purpose, analysts say it enhances surveillance in a region vulnerable to drone and piracy threats.
Critics argue the radar’s installation raises sovereignty concerns and adds to foreign military presence already controversial in parts of Somalia.
Somali authorities have not publicly commented on the radar, nor on potential agreements allowing foreign military equipment on Somali territory.
