The $195 million deal will put the Amos-6 satellite in a scheduled slot for launch in 2015. In addition, Spacecom also signed an agreement with Government of Israel to supply it with various communications services on the Amos-6 during the satellite’s lifetime. That agreement is worth $20 million.

IAI CEO Yossi Weiss and Spacecom President and CEO David Pollack signed the agreement. Pollack said the contract is a significant step forward for the operator’s infrastructure growth strategy.

  "Signing this agreement with IAI represents the trust we have in their capabilities to assist us in reaching a milestone in our business development for the future,” Pollack said in a statement. “Amos-6 will further strengthen our technological initiatives, expand our territorial and business horizons throughout all of Europe and more areas of the Middle East and Africa. Amos-6 will enhance our reputation as a growing and highly capable multi-regional satellite operator."

Spacecom also hopes Amos-6 will significantly expand its offerings at the 4 degrees West hot spot, which also is the current home to the Amos-2 and Amos-3 constellation. Amos-6 will replace Amos-2, which is scheduled to end its service in 2016. The new satellite has a scheduled lifespan of 16 years and will increase territories under service by adding Western Europe and parts of Europe, the Middle East and the U.S. East Coast.

  The new Spacecom satellite offers 39 Ku-band segments, 24 Ka-band beams, two S-band transformers to provide a wide array of services and will have a launch weight of 5,500 Kilograms. Pollack said the satellite would be fitted with numerous new technologies including electronic propulsion capabilities to save on weight and cost.