On Wednesday, Israel launched a new version of its Ofek spy satellite into orbit, according to the Defence Ministry. The satellite, called Ofek-13, is manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries and is intended to enhance regional monitoring as the country prepares for a possible showdown with Iran.
The satellite was launched on a Shavit missile over the Mediterranean Sea, a trajectory Israel typically chooses as a precaution against its technology falling into the hands of hostile Middle Eastern neighbours in the event of a malfunction. The satellite is the latest in a series of locally produced satellites that were first put into orbit in 1988.
The Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, oversaw the launch, signalling that he remained in office despite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement on Sunday that he would be dismissed amid a constitutional crisis. The Ofek-13 has unique radar observation capabilities, according to IAI CEO Boaz Levy, and will allow intelligence collection in any weather and visibility conditions.
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