Israel launches new spy Satellite Ofek 16

Israel launches new spy Satellite Ofek 16

Posted by Farrukh Shah

Monday, July 6, 2020

defence Europe Hamza Shah International Recent

       Israel launches new spy Satellite Ofek 16

 

Israel launches a new spy satellite Ofek 16 which would provide high quality surveillance to its intelligence.

 Defence Minister said,

                   “ Ofek 16 is an optoelectronic reconnaissance satellite with advance capabilities, sent into the orbit on early Monday at 4am(local time)”.

The first pictures of the satellites are expected in a week.

 State-owned Israel Aerospace Industries was the main contractor for this project and satellites payload was developed by defence firm Elbit Systems.

 

Defence Minister Benny Gantz hailed the successful launch of Ofek 16 satellite as a big achievement for Defence Ministry, Defence Industries and for Israel Aerospace Industries.

 

According to the Sudari, Ofek 16 is the brother of Ofek 11 containing many of the same capabilities.

 

Ofek 16 is the latest satellite of Ofek series. Ofek 11 was sent into the space in 2011.

 

There was no further details on the satellite’s missions but Israel’s news agencies said it would be used to monitor the Nuclear and missile programs of regional rival Iran.