UAE Reportedly Deploys Israeli-Made Radar System Near Northeastern State’s Bosaso Airbase
Have you ever considered how much can be discovered without leaving the comfort of one’s home office? In a world increasingly watched by satellites, open-source intelligence (OSINT) communities continue to surprise us with insights that once were reserved for spy thrillers. This week, independent OSINT analysts have turned their keen eyes toward Somalia’s semi-autonomous Northeastern State region. Specifically, a curious discovery surrounds the UAE-operated airbase in Bosaso—a popular coastal city located on the strategic Gulf of Aden.
OSINT analysts revealed coordinates indicating the possible presence of the advanced Israeli-manufactured ELM-2084 Multi-Mission Radar stationed near the Bosaso Air Base, operated by the United Arab Emirates. Satellite imagery combined with thorough geospatial analysis brought this revelation to light. Fascinatingly, the first public sharing of these precise coordinates (11°16’16.5″N 49°06’28.3″E) came from renowned geospatial intelligence expert, @Dinlas3, and subsequently amplified by dedicated OSINT accounts such as @OSINTWarfare, and even prominent former U.S. defense official Mary Beth Long.
However, it’s important to tread carefully. Despite the clarity of satellite coordinates and the consistency of OSINT analysts’ reports, neither the UAE nor the governments in Somalia or Northeastern State have officially confirmed the radar’s location, purpose, or even its existence. Could this radar simply be another unconfirmed anomaly, or does it represent the subtle geopolitics reshaping the Horn of Africa?
Developed by Israel’s ELTA Systems, the ELM-2084 radar is far from ordinary military hardware. Employing AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) technology, this radar effortlessly monitors more than a thousand targets simultaneously—including missiles, drones, aircraft, and even artillery shells. Boasting an effective range of approximately 470 kilometers, this mobile system is typically linked to state-of-the-art missile defense platforms like Israel’s Iron Dome and David’s Sling. It’s the kind of technology you’d expect in tense theaters of conflict, making its presence in Northeastern State quite intriguing.
Particularly relevant to strategic analysts is the radar’s positioning. Northeastern State lies precisely in a critical maritime zone frequented by international shipping and intertwined with global commerce. The UAE’s involvement in Northeastern State is not new; since 2017, Emirati forces have trained Northeastern State’s maritime police, ostensibly to counter piracy—providing stability in dangerous waters. But why place a sophisticated, Israeli-made radar here? Is it purely defensive, or does it serve broader intelligence and strategic ambitions?
While official clarity is lacking, regional realities might provide insights. Yemen’s nearby Houthis have raised maritime security concerns, launching drone and missile attacks on shipping lanes linking Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Could the radar be aimed at mitigating such threats? Possibly. Yet, analysts caution the radar’s current location may limit its range, not fully extending into regions presently impacted by the Houthis. This limitation raises further questions: are there plans to extend or fortify capabilities? Or is there another agenda entirely?
Beyond strategic concerns, this development highlights complex relationships within Somalia itself. Northeastern State enjoys significant autonomy from Somalia’s federal capital, Mogadishu. Tension between Northeastern State’s regional leadership and central Somali governance, especially over foreign partnerships, periodically surfaces. Mogadishu officials have historically criticized Abu Dhabi for negotiating directly with regional authorities—bypassing national-level consultations. Could the UAE’s expanded military footprint in Northeastern State renew these old disagreements? If history provides a guide, we should carefully watch Mogadishu’s official response to these unfolding discoveries.
Moreover, local communities are seldom forgotten in geopolitical maneuvering. Northeastern State’s coastal areas, home to vibrant fishing communities, have previously expressed frustration over access restrictions resulting from UAE operations. Adding advanced surveillance equipment, regardless of its defensive aims, risks heightening local tensions. If the radar indeed represents foreign strategic interests, will it further alienate Bosaso residents, exacerbating existing grievances?
“In geopolitics, perceptions often matter more than facts on the ground.” — Unknown
Indeed, no publicly released satellite imagery conclusively proves the structure identified by OSINT analysts hosts the ELM-2084 radar. Independent military experts have stressed this caution, highlighting that structures visible from satellite imagery might serve logistical or other more mundane functions.
Yet, amid these uncertainties, one must acknowledge the increased momentum of ties between Israel and Gulf nations, notably accelerated since the 2020 Abraham Accords. Given Israel’s export strategies and the UAE’s expanding security interests, a move resembling this reported deployment would certainly seem plausible.
As geopolitical dynamics within the Horn of Africa intensify—with nations such as Turkey, Qatar, China, and Western countries operating nearby—the possibility of such military deployments isn’t surprising. The region appears slowly evolving into an intricate chessboard, with Northeastern State—a relatively minor actor—engaging increasingly prominent geopolitical players.
Ultimately, until official confirmations emerge, we tread in uncertain territory—for even the satellite-assisted views of OSINT analysts cannot wholly penetrate governmental secrecy. Meanwhile, geopolitical enthusiasts and locals in Northeastern State alike must rely on thorough, dedicated analysis and informed speculation, weaving together hidden threads unseen by casual observers.
One cannot help but ponder—if indeed confirmed—will regional authorities realize their strategic aims with these subtle moves, or instead risk further complexity and tension within their already delicate geopolitical tapestry?
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
