A new Israeli spy satellite, called Ofek 16, was fired into space from a site in central Israel on July 9, 2020. Office of the Israel Defense Ministry Spokesperson / Flyer via REUTERS
JERUSALEM (Reuters) – Israel launched a new spy satellite on Monday that it said would provide high-quality surveillance for its military intelligence.
Israel has been developing its surveillance capabilities to monitor enemies like Iran, whose nuclear program it considers a major threat.
The satellite, called Ofek 16, was launched into space Monday morning from a site in central Israel by a locally developed Shavit rocket, which was used to launch earlier Ofek satellites.
“We will continue to strengthen and maintain Israel’s capabilities on all fronts, everywhere,” said Defense Minister Benny Gantz.
The Defense Ministry called Ofek 16 “an electro-optical reconnaissance satellite with advanced capabilities.”
The first images will be received in about a week.
Israeli state-owned aerospace industries [ISRAI.UL] He was the prime contractor for the project, and the satellite payload was developed by defense firm Elbit Systems.
Reports by Ari Rabinovitch; Editing by Michael Perry
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