Israel launches Ofek 16 reconnaissance satellite

(Patria) – Israel launched a new reconnaissance satellite on Monday for better monitoring conducted by the state military intelligence service.

Reuters writes that Israel has long been developing its surveillance and monitoring capabilities to 'keep an eye' on its enemies, such as Iran, whose nuclear program it considers a major threat.

The satellite, named Ofek 16, was launched in the early morning hours of Monday from central Israel, with the help of the locally produced Shavit rocket, which has been used to launch Ofek satellites before.

"We continue to strengthen and maintain Israel's capabilities in every respect, everywhere," said Defense Minister Benny Gantz.

He called Ofek 16 an "electro-optical observation satellite with advanced capabilities."

The first images will be available in seven days, Reuters reports.