The following statement was released by Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon following this week’s successful launch of Israel’s Ofek 10 satellite.

“The successful launch of the ‘Ofek 10’ satellite is additional proof of Israel’s remarkable technological capabilities. The ‘Ofek 10’ satellite will improve the State of Israel’s ability to collect intelligence and allow the defense community to better manage threats near and far, at all hours of the day and in all weather conditions. We continue to strengthen our qualitative advantage and significant technological superiority over our neighbors.

“I would like to thank everyone – the Defense Ministry, Space Agency in MAFAT, Israel Aerospace Industries, Israel Military Industries, Elbit and Rafael – for their continued development of world-leading advanced systems designed to protect Israel and its citizens.

“Israel has been blessed with an exceptionally creative and professional military industry whose determination to guarantee the security of the State of Israel and its citizens, and ability to reach new technological heights time after time, has allowed us to flourish and grow.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)