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On Thursday, Algeria deployed a new surveillance satellite named Alsat-3A from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center located in northwestern China. The mission was monitored from Algiers by the head of the Algerian Army, Saïd Chengriha.

As per a declaration from the Algerian Ministry of Defense, the satellite will grant Algeria advanced high-resolution Earth observation abilities, boosting its geospatial intelligence system. It is anticipated to greatly improve mapping capabilities and aid in the creation of digital terrain models.

The debut is a component of an extensive plan to strengthen and increase Algeria’s satellite monitoring abilities. It also indicates collaboration between the Algerian Space Agency (ASAL) and the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, according to the statement.

With the Alsat-3A, Algeria aims to enhance its role in space intelligence, within a setting of increasing regional rivalry. In February 2024, Israeli media indicated that Morocco had acquired two surveillance satellites from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) through a deal estimated to be approximately $1 billion.

According to the agreement, Rabat will receive two Ofek-13 satellites, designed to replace the existing systems created by Airbus and Thales—specifically Mohammed VI-A, which was launched in November 2017, and Mohammed VI-B, which was put into space in November 2018.