Azerbaijan Acquires Modern Spy Satellites from Israel Aerospace Industries

Azerbaijan's space agency, Azercosmos, has acquired two multi-spectral electro-optical spy satellites as part of a deal with Israel Aerospace Industries. The acquisition is intended to enhance Azerbaijan's capabilities in observation and reconnaissance, according to Azerbaijani media reports.

Both Azercosmos and Israel Aerospace Industries, based in the Tel Aviv area, remain silent regarding the specific model of the satellites or the exact financial terms of the contract. However, previous reports suggest that the estimated value of the agreement hovers around $120 million.

Defense News reports that the purchased satellite model is the OptSat-500, marking the first sale of this variant of the satellite. The new satellites are slated for deployment into orbit in 2026 and 2028.

Apart from technological implications, this deal carries geopolitical consequences. Experts suggest that it brings Israeli intelligence capabilities closer to the Iranian border, along the joint frontier between Azerbaijan and Iran. Azerbaijan has been a major client of Israel's aerospace and defense industries, acquiring weapons that were extensively used in the 44-day war against Nagorno-Karabakh in 2020.