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Azerbaijan is in the final stage of awarding a high-profile satellite contract worth up to $800 million, with Türkiye’s TAI and Israel’s IAI among the four international contenders aiming to help Baku become a global communications hub and enhance geopolitical influence.
The competition, reported by Israeli media outlet Globes, includes finalists Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Thales Alenia Space (a French-Italian partnership), and U.S.-based SpaceX.
The satellite is expected to meet the highest international communication standards and support Azerbaijan’s long-term infrastructure goals.
Azerbaijan aims to diversify its economy while extending its reach in the global communications market.
Turkish Aerospace Industries represents Türkiye's growing strength in the defense industry, with the company rapidly expanding its space technology footprint through several active satellite programs.
TAI CEO Mehmet Demiroglu recently outlined the company's space ambitions, stating, "Despite space systems being a relatively new field within TAI, we have rapidly introduced numerous domestically developed platforms to the sector."
The company's current portfolio includes the GOKTURK-Y earth observation satellite undergoing environmental testing, with completion targeted for 2025 and launch planned for 2029.
TAI will also begin assembling its domestically developed microsatellite in early 2026, with launch expected in 2027.
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