Our Telekom Ramps up Connectivity across Solomon Islands with SES Networks (Photo: AP)

JERUSALEM (Xinhua) -- The government company Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) announced on Thursday that Israel will develop and build a national communications satellite.

IAI did not disclose the cost of the project but the Israeli media estimated it at about 200 million U.S. dollars.

The satellite, named Dror 1, is intended to meet the needs of Israel's satellite communications for a period of about 15 years, according to an IAI statement.

Dror 1 is largely based on Israeli technologies developed at IAI, including advanced digital communications payload and smartphone-in-space capabilities, which enable communication flexibility in space, the statement said.

"Dror 1 will be the most advanced communications satellite ever built in Israel, with the most advanced digital capabilities," said Boaz Levy, executive vice president of IAI.

The establishment of the new satellite is part of the Israeli government's decision made in September 2018 to promote a long-term strategy in the field of satellite communications.

The satellite will be developed by the IAI's Systems, Missiles and Space Group, which has developed and built air defense systems such as Barak 8 surface-to-air missiles and Arrow anti-ballistic missiles.

Established in 1953, IAI is considered a global leader in the supply of technologies and systems in the domains of land, air, sea, outer space and cyber.