The Ofek 19 reconnaissance satellite was launched Tuesday from central Israel and successfully entered orbit, transmitting its first data back to Earth.
The launch was carried out using a three-stage Shavit launcher from a testing site in central Israel. Among those present were President Isaac Herzog, Defense Minister Israel Katz, Defense Ministry Director General Maj. Gen. (res.) Amir Baram, head of the Defense Ministry's Directorate of Defense Research and Development Dr. Danny Gold, and Israel Aerospace Industries CEO Boaz Levy.
Expanding control over the Middle East
Levy said the satellite "adds new capabilities, an eye in the sky, expanding control of the Middle East from space." He noted that IAI had completed two launches within two months, positioning Israel as a global space power with advanced capabilities. "If we add missile intercepts in space, we can see how space is becoming a critical dimension in warfare," Levy said.
He added that the satellite circles the Earth once every 90 minutes and that its systems have been functioning correctly. "Within a few days the checks will be completed and it will enter full service," Levy said.
Long-term security edge
Berger described the launch as "a special day," emphasizing that it represented decades of sustained effort. He said the satellite provided Israel with "power and security superiority, particularly as we expand capabilities into the third circle [long-range threats] and simultaneously operate across seven fronts."
Ofek 19 is a sophisticated intelligence satellite with advanced capabilities, operating at an altitude of 500 km (310 miles). It is part of a long-term satellite program overseen by the Defense Ministry. "From the moment a contract is signed, we plan, build, and test extensively," Berger said. "In satellite launches there are no second chances."
Officials stressed that the back-to-back launches within two months were coincidental.
Each launch, however, brings new capabilities to the defense establishment. Together, the satellites provide the Israel Defense Forces and the Defense Ministry with capabilities previously unavailable. Ofek 19 is a radar satellite, one of several Israel operates, capable of supplying intelligence around the clock, in all weather conditions.
While the military does not disclose the number of satellites in orbit, it noted that some have been functioning for nearly 20 years, demonstrating Israel's technological edge.
Frontline against Iran
The satellite program proved vital during the recent war against Hamas and Hezbollah, particularly in Operation Iron Swords and Operation Rising Lion, Israel's first "space war," where space based intelligence became indispensable. The satellites enabled target generation, pre-strike reconnaissance, and post-strike assessments.
Satellite data streamed to security forces provided the IDF with real-time information, from orbit to cockpit. While the army did not disclose resolution levels, it confirmed the ability to reliably identify objects on the ground.
"Space gives the IDF access to the entire Middle East," defense officials said. "A wide constellation of satellites is required to maintain continuous coverage. Years ago, this was a fantasy. Today, it is becoming a reality."
Engineers from the Defense Ministry's Space Directorate and IAI's Space Division continue to conduct planned tests until Ofek 19 enters full operational service.
The Ofek program began in 1988, with satellites developed jointly by the Defense Ministry and IAI. Once testing is complete, control of Ofek 19 will be transferred to the IDF's Unit 9900, the military's visual-geographic intelligence unit.
Part of a global trend
Israel was the eighth country in the world to achieve independent space-launch capability and today is one of 13 nations with such technology, alongside the US, Russia, China, France, Italy, Britain, India, South Korea, North Korea, Japan, Ukraine, Iran and New Zealand.
Globally, investment in military space capabilities is rising, both from governments and commercial firms working on defense-related projects. More than 50 countries now have dedicated defense space budgets.
During the recent war, Israel's satellite array played a key role in intelligence gathering, guiding strikes, and ensuring reliable communications. The operations highlighted the critical importance of maintaining constant space-based coverage of the Middle East.
