International defense reports indicate that Israel is conducting extensive studies to establish a military presence at the strategic port of Berbera in Somaliland, located in the Horn of Africa. This new diplomatic and military movement signifies emerging relations between the two parties, providing the Jewish state with a major strategic opportunity to control the transit routes of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
According to security reports from Defence-Network, if this new relationship bears fruit, it will enable the Israeli Navy to deploy its advanced and modern Dolphin-class submarines at the port of Berbera on a permanent or temporary basis.
The port of Berbera is an extremely vital location for Israel due to its geographical position directly across from Yemen. This strategic positioning provides Israel with a major reconnaissance outpost to closely monitor and control military and security activities orchestrated by the Yemeni Houthi rebels and Iran in the Gulf of Aden and the southern Red Sea. With the recent increase in attacks on commercial vessels moving through the Red Sea, establishing a strong military presence in the region has become imperative for Israel. According to current data, at least one of Israel’s Dolphin submarines is already deployed in the Persian Gulf to prevent and provide an immediate response to potential provocative military actions from Iran.
These Dolphin-class submarines, which are the pride of the Israeli Navy, play a multi-faceted role in protecting the country’s national security. The vessels currently protect Israel’s offshore natural gas drilling platforms in the Mediterranean Sea from various attacks, while also actively monitoring the main maritime trade lanes vital to the country’s survival. Furthermore, these submarines possess high military capability to launch various types of modern missiles. Among them is the Israeli-developed Popeye Turbo cruise missile, which has an estimated range of at least 1,500 kilometers. This missile gives Israel a major tactical advantage to strike its enemies from long distances.
Although there is currently no official or legal confirmation regarding an extended stay of the Dolphin submarines at the port, the leadership of Somaliland has indicated that they welcome Israeli economic investment and will keep their ports open. Since Somaliland is striving heavily for its sovereignty to be recognized by the international community, it views military cooperation with Israel and Western powers as a major diplomatic victory.
Additionally, what makes the matter more complex and noteworthy is the stance being shown by US President Donald Trump’s administration. It has been revealed that the Trump administration is considering officially recognizing Somaliland’s independence in exchange for permission to establish an American naval military base in Somaliland. Political analysts note that if this triangular relationship between the US, Israel, and Somaliland moves forward, it could completely shift the geopolitical balance of the Horn of Africa and the Middle East.
