OFEQ 10 Spy Satellite launched by Israel

The research and development department (MAFAT) of Israel’s Ministry of Defense in cooperation with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI Ltd.) launched this evening Wednesday, April 9, 2014 at 22:15 hrs, “Ofeq 10″ (also known as Ofek 10) satellite into space. The satellite was launched into orbit by a “Shavit” satellite launcher. The launch was conducted from an Israeli Air Force test range.

Once the satellite enters orbit around the Earth, it will undergo several tests to confirm its serviceability and accurate performance.“Ofeq 10″ is an earth-observing remote-sensing satellite that employs synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology with advanced “high-resolution” imagery, capable of operating day or night and in all weather conditions.

Israel’s Ministry of Defense, led by its R&D Department (MAFAT) in cooperation with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI Ltd) and other Israeli high-tech companies developed and produced the “Ofeq 10″ satellite as well as the “Shavit” satellite launcher.


http://www.asiandefencenews.com/2014/04/israel-launches-ofeq-10-spy-satellite.html

Israel Inaugurates New ‘Samson’ C-130J Super Hercules Aircraft Into Service

Photos: IDF

The new transport aircraft enhances the IASF’s long-range transport and assault capabilities, with missions including airborne cargo delivery, transportation of paratroops and commandos, aerial refueling for helicopters and planes, electronic warfare, maritime patrol and special operations.

According to the Israel Defense Force (IDF) Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Benjamin (Benny) Gantz, The new aircraft gives the IDF extended operational flexibility and strengthens our long range capabilities, making us more accurate and powerful than ever. The progressive systems the “Samson” aircraft is equipped with will allow us to execute more complex operations than in the past – “we will be able to operate faster, in all weather conditions, in greater distance, in lower altitude and in maximum discretion.” Gantz said.

Over the past year, squadron members have trained in Italy and in the United States in order to thoroughly familiarize themselves with the aircraft and its capabilities. The new aircraft is joining the 103 Squadron already operating the C-130H from Nevatim.The delivery of the first C-130J is a first milestone in the modernization of the Israel Air Force, Under the current plan the IASF is expecting deliveries of 30 Alenia Aermacchi M346 advanced trainers from Italy over the next two years, six US built Bell-Boeing V-22 tilt-rotor aircraft will be supplied in 2016 and F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters built by Lockheed Martin. The first of the 19 aircraft ordered is expected to arrive in Israel in 2017.

Israel Launches OFEQ 10 Spy Satellite

A Shavit satellite launcher lifts off from the Palmachim test range south of Tel Aviv April 9, 2014, carrying the OFEQ 10 satellite, the eights satellite in the OFEQ family, built by IAI MBT Space division. Photo: IMOD

The research and development department (MAFAT) of Israel’s Ministry of Defense in cooperation with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI Ltd.) launched this evening Wednesday, April 9, 2014 at 22:15 hrs, “Ofeq 10″ (also known as Ofek 10) satellite into space. The satellite was launched into orbit by a “Shavit” satellite launcher. The launch was conducted from an Israeli Air Force test range.

Once the satellite enters orbit around the Earth, it will undergo several tests to confirm its serviceability and accurate performance.“Ofeq 10″ is an earth-observing remote-sensing satellite that employs synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology with advanced “high-resolution” imagery, capable of operating day or night and in all weather conditions.

Israel’s Ministry of Defense, led by its R&D Department (MAFAT) in cooperation with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI Ltd) and other Israeli high-tech companies developed and produced the “Ofeq 10″ satellite as well as the “Shavit” satellite launcher.

India’s Military Chief - General Bikram Singh - Concludes Visit to Israel

During the course of his visit, General Singh met with the IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Benjamin “Benny” Gantz and the Commander of IDF Ground Forces, Major General Guy Tzur. These meetings focused on the close military cooperation between Israel and India. The military chief also toured Israeli military bases, where he was briefed on the operational procedures of the Ground Forces.

During his stay, General Singh visited the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Museum, where he laid a wreath in memory of Holocaust victims. He also laid a wreath in the Indian War Cemetery in Jerusalem in honor of Indian soldiers.

Brazilian Air Force awards Elbit Systems contract for supply of Hermes™ 900 UAS for security of 2014 FIFA World Cup Games

Elbit Systems announced today that it was awarded a contract by the Brazilian Air Force ("FAB") for the supply of a Hermes 900 Unmanned Aircraft System ("UAS"). The Hermes 900, which will be equipped with a new and advanced intelligence gathering system considered as a breakthrough operational solution, will be operated by FAB in combined missions with the Hermes 450 fleet, already in operational use. Both UAS will carry safety and security missions in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Games. The contract is in an amount that is not material to Elbit Systems, and the Hermes 900 will be supplied within two months.

Elad Aharonson, General Manager – Elbit Systems UAS Division, commented: "We are very proud to supply our Hermes 900 to FAB, which is the eighth customer to be equipped with this leading platform. We are honored to enable FAB to benefit from the advantages of joint flight operations, using both the Hermes 450 and the Hermes 900, a unique solution for intelligence missions, border protection, perimeter control of infrastructure and critical sites, as well as Safe City programs and large scale events."

Hermes 900, already in service with the Israeli Air Force and additional world leading armed forces, offers longer endurance, flight altitude of 30,000 ft. and a large payload capacity, suitable for carrying a wide range of payloads as well as capabilities to operate in adverse weather. The UAS is highly autonomous, enabling automatic takeoff and landing and includes advanced avionics and electronic systems. The system allows for joint flight missions with the Hermes 450, controlled and operated from the same universal ground control station, transmitting the gathered imagery, while using various communications systems.

http://ir.elbitsystems.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=61849&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1912412&highlight=

First Israeli M-346 Lavi rolled out video

India Expresses Desire for Iron Dome System

India wants the Iron Dome defense system. Defense News reports that  India and Israel are cooperating on the development of weapons systems and that India’s main wish is to acquire the Iron Dome on a “buy and build” basis. This means India wants to acquire  it and obtain a license from Israel for its manufacture.

An Indian source told Defense News that Israel had agreed to sell the system to India, but was hesitant about selling the technology needed to manufacture it. The U.S., which helped fund the Iron Dome’s development, has not said publicly whether it backs the deal.

According to the Indo-Asian News Service India is the largest customer of Israeli military equipment and Israel is the second-largest military partner of India after Russian with trade hovering around $9 billion.

Globes reports that the list of future projects discussed during a meeting between Ministry of Defense director general Udi Shani and India’s Defense Secretary Shashi Kant Sharma last week in India included a plan to develop aircraft-launched micro-satellites, as well as plans to develop laser-guided missiles and munitions.

According to an Israeli defense source, other possible plans include specialized radar systems, such as an airborne system for Indian-made light combat planes, and a long-range system for tracking ballistic missiles. However it is uncertain whether any agreement was reached on these plans.

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