Azerbaijan And Israel Sign Historic Deal On Space Tech

Israel and Azerbaijan will cooperate on developing space technologies under a historic agreement that was just signed between the two nations. 

The agreement was presented at the 74th International Astronautical Congress in Baku, Azerbaijan, which took place this week. It was signed by Uri Oron, the Israel Space Agency’s Director General, and his Azerbaijani counterpart Samaddin Asadov.

The agreement, which is the first of its kind between these two countries, will lead to joint space-related projects, including the development of satellites, space exploration robots and vehicles, Earth observation and monitoring, and more. 

The conference also saw the finalization of a $120 million deal between Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Azerbaijani space agency Azercosmos. Under the deal, IAI will develop surveillance satellites, space-related innovation and entrepreneurship centers and a joint business center, all within Azerbaijan. 

“The signing of the joint declaration between the space agencies establishes and strengthens the relationship forged between the countries,” said Uri Oron.

“In an era in which the field of space is growing rapidly, the agreement will allow the State of Israel to have business, research and academic collaborations that are essential for the development of the space field in [in the country].”

Israel’s ambassador to Azerbaijan, George Dick, said: “The joint work of all the parties on the Israeli and Azerbaijani sides led to the signing of the understandings, with the intention of expanding cooperation in the near future.”

“The relationship between Israel and Azerbaijan will deepen and expand into new technological fields for the benefit of both countries and peoples.”