Reports indicate that the UAE-built naval facility at Berbera in Somaliland is nearing operational readiness, potentially creating a major strategic hub linking Israel, the UAE and Ethiopia in the Horn of Africa.
The facility, under construction since 2017, includes a long runway, protected ammunition storage and air-defense infrastructure. Its eventual operator remains unclear, but possible users reportedly include the UAE, Ethiopia and US Africa Command.
According to the reports, Berbera’s naval infrastructure could also accommodate Israel’s Dolphin-class submarines. However, there is currently no official confirmation that Israeli submarines have docked there or that Israel intends to establish a permanent naval base.
Berbera’s location near the Gulf of Aden would provide Israel with a valuable forward position facing Yemen and the Houthi threat. It could support intelligence gathering, maritime surveillance and operations across the Red Sea without relying exclusively on distant Israeli bases.