On Sunday, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), headed by Boaz Levy, celebrated the profitable launch of Israel’s nationwide communications satellite tv for pc Dror 1 from SpaceX’s launch web site at Cape Canaveral. “Globes” has now discovered that IAI is considered one of a shortlist of 4 candidates in a young for the acquisition of a satellite tv for pc issued by Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan’s necessities are for a satellite tv for pc of the very best worldwide commonplace, just like Dror 1.
Competitors from Turkey and France
Protection sources instructed “Globes” that Azerbaijan’s funding could be between $300 million and $800 million, a variety that stems from the vary of components that shall be included within the satellite tv for pc.
IAI’s essential competitors within the tender is from Thales Alenia House, a three way partnership during which French firm Thales holds 67% and Leonardo of Italy holds 33%. Thales is a big sufficient firm to compete within the tender by itself, however it’s clear to its administration that, due to the shut relations between France and Azerbaijan’s enemy Armenia, the possibilities of it being chosen are low. Therefore the hyperlink with Leonardo, with the purpose of exploiting Italy’s good relations with Azerbaijan.
One other fascinating bidder within the tender is state-owned Turkish Aerospace Industries, which might emerge as an integrator utilizing international gear, significantly from South Korea.
Aspirations to international impression
A considerable distinction between Israel and Azerbaijan lies within the functions of the satellites. Whereas Israel superior the Dror 1 venture primarily to reply Israeli wants, Azerbaijan sees in satellite tv for pc communications a way of diversifying its financial system and increasing its international affect. It seeks to cowl Africa, the Center East and different areas, in an try to turn out to be a world telecommunications hub.
Earlier win in Azerbaijan
IAI probably derives optimism within the present tender from the truth that Azerbaijan’s area company Azercosmos selected IAI in a earlier satellite tv for pc tender. On October 3, 2023, Azerbaijan signed a contract with IAI for the acquisition of two OptSat500 statement satellites, in a deal value $120 million in response to Azerbaijani stories. The OptSat sequence consists of small statement satellites with lengthy lifetimes and excessive imaging capabilities.
The primary of those satellites is presently being inbuilt Israel, and shall be transferred to Azerbaijan subsequent 12 months for integration. In 2026, building of the second satellite tv for pc will start in Azerbaijan. Each satellites are as a consequence of be launched in 2028. The contract arises from a long-term settlement between Azerbaijan and IAI on collaboration and educational coaching in space-related disciplines. Dozens of Azerbaijanis are presently in Israel working with IAI on building of the satellite tv for pc and buying know-how.
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It’s value mentioning that satellites are removed from being the one merchandise that Azerbaijan buys from Israeli protection firms.
IAI said in response to the report: “The corporate has a few years’ expertise in statement and communications satellites. On the idea of this expertise, the Dror 1 satellite tv for pc was efficiently launched, and is on its technique to its designated place within the sky. IAI operates not solely on the nationwide airplane, but in addition on the worldwide enterprise airplane, and doesn’t disclose particulars of its advertising and marketing actions.”
Revealed by Globes, Israel enterprise information – en.globes.co.il – on July 15, 2025.
© Copyright of Globes Writer Itonut (1983) Ltd., 2025.
