Israel Matzav

Turkey could sell satellite images of Israel to Iran, Hamas and Hezbullah

Israel is trying to bring about the cancellation of a Turkish electro-optical satellite known as Gokturk, which would give Turkey salable satellite images of Israel (Hat Tip: Joshua I).

The project will also enable the acquisition of high-resolution images for military purposes in Europe, the Caucasus and the Middle East, and it will strengthen Turkey’s hand in fighting the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). Concerned that the satellite will gather images from its territory, Israel has put pressure on France, which is working on the construction of the satellite in cooperation with the Italian-based Telespazio to stop the project. Given the possibility that its efforts in France prove fruitless, Israeli officials are also lobbying in Ankara.

Once the satellite is launched, Turkey will be able to sell the images obtained through the satellite to other countries as well. Israel is currently attempting to negotiate with Turkish officials in order to ensure Turkey does not sell images of Israel to other states. However, the response of Turkish officials was clear: “We decide how to use the images taken by our satellite.”

Speaking to Today’s Zaman, high-level officials from the Turkish Defense Ministry said: “For years, Israel has obtained images of our territory. For the first time, we will have a satellite for intelligence. Reciprocity is essential in international relations. If they observe Turkish soil, Turkey has the same right, too.” Turkey’s defense and procurement authorities had completed a deal with Telespazio for the construction and launching of the country’s first military satellite, Göktürk, in 2009. The 250 million euro contract was signed on July 16, 2009 at a ceremony attended by top Turkish officials including Defense Minister Vecdi Gönül and Undersecretariat for the Defense Industry (SSM) head Murad Bayar and company representatives.

The agreement covers the supply of an earth-observation satellite equipped with a high-resolution optical sensor, an integration and test center for satellites to be built in Turkey and the entire ground segment of the system, which will carry out in-orbit operation, data acquisition and processing. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has been eliminated from the approximately $250 million project.

If this project goes ahead, Israel ought to provide intelligence to the Kurds on Turkey (and let the Turks know in advance that it intends to do so). What's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. To date, I don't believe Israel is providing intelligence to anyone on Turkey.

I would rate it unlikely that Turkey will back off this project. Our best hope is pushing France and Italy (didn't Berlusconi used to be in our court?).

Labels: Gokturk, Kurds, satellites, Turkish obsession with Israel

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 11:20 AM