Surveillance Radar at Emirati Military Base in Somalia
Imagery widely reported in social media has shown the deployment of an EL/M-2084 radar within the grounds of an Emirati military base at Bosaso, in Somalia’s Puntland region.
The Israeli-manufactured and widely exported EL/M-2084 radar has a 290-mile surveillance range. Mounted on a berm built for the purpose to give it extra range, the radar has the capability to detect, locate, and track the full range of missile, aircraft, and drone targets across the Gulf of Aden.
Until recently, this area was a hotspot for attacks by the Houthis, but recent months have seen a decrease in such attacks. Monitoring by UKMTO in Dubai indicates that the main threat in the area now comes from low-level Somali-based pirates.
EL/M-2084 Radar Effectiveness
The EL/M-2084 is known for its effectiveness and has been exported to nations like Azerbaijan, Finland, and India. Used for air surveillance at longer ranges, it can also be utilized for acquisition purposes at shorter ranges, integrated into air defense systems like Iron Dome.
Bosaso is part of a network of Emirati bases strategically positioned to cover the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea approaches. The presence of Emirati bases at Bosaso and Socotra is acknowledged by the respective host governments, while the status of other potential bases remains contested.
While the UAE has not formally recognized its military presence at these facilities, the deployment of the EL/M-2084 radar at Bosaso enhances surveillance capabilities. Networking multiple radar systems across different bases could provide enhanced coverage and target triangulation.
However, effective surveillance alone is insufficient without linked systems for response. There is currently no evidence of active air defense systems in place to cover these areas.
Article Source: The Maritime Executive