NEW DELHI: India launched an Israeli-built military spy satellite yesterday as it strengthens its security system after last year's Mumbai attacks exposed glaring loopholes in the defense apparatus.

The spy satellite launch also highlights growing defense ties between Israel and India. Israel is now the second biggest arms supplier to India after Russia.

The satellite will help Indian agencies monitor the country's international borders and anticipate any troop build-up or infiltration attempts by militant groups, defence officials said.