GCC Mulling Purchase of Spy Satellite

Published November 21st, 2001 - 02:00 GMT
Al Bawaba
Al Bawaba

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is “examining the feasibility of purchasing a spy satellite” to bolster regional defense, said the Middle East Newsline (MENL), quoting officials. 

The sources said that “the procurement of a satellite is meant to increase reconnaissance capability and augment a new regional air defense system, which was launched in February.”  

The joint military command has approved so far a $160 million air identification system for the most expensive military project so far launched by the six members of the GCC. 

They also approved a $170-million military communications network.  

GCC Secretary General Jamil Al Hujailan said that “the satellite would mean a qualitative leap in the field of military reconnaissance and intelligence." 

The six members of the GCC - Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Oman and Kuwait - are bound by a joint defense pact – Albawaba.com

Subscribe

Sign up to our newsletter for exclusive updates and enhanced content