Defense Ministry says Ofek-19 spy satellite has entered orbit: ‘Significant force multiplier’

Following the launch of the Ofek-19 radar observation satellite last night, the Defense Ministry says the spacecraft has successfully entered orbit, begun transmitting data, and passed a series of initial tests.

The launch, carried out in cooperation with the IDF and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), was attended by President Isaac Herzog, Defense Minister Israel Katz, Defense Ministry Director General Amir Baram, head of Defense Research & Development at the Defense Ministry Danny Gold, and IAI CEO Boaz Levy.

Engineers from the Defense Ministry’s Space Department and IAI’s Space Division are continuing a series of pre-planned checks before the satellite enters full operational service in the near future. Responsibility for operating it will then be transferred to the IDF’s Unit 9900, which specializes in visual intelligence.

Herzog hails the launch as proof of Israel’s innovation: “We are not only a Start-Up Nation, we are a Space Nation. Israel must be in space — that is where the future of humanity lies, and it holds the most important strategic capabilities… This is yet another proof that we are a unique and exceptional people — there is no country like Israel.”

Katz calls the launch “a moment of immense national pride,” adding that Ofek-19 represents “another layer of Israel’s strength” dealing with long-range threats, and “expresses the advanced capabilities of the Defense Ministry, the IDF and the IAI.”

Israel “continues to soar, to lead, and to ensure our security with pride and strength,” he adds.

Baram says the satellite will serve as a “significant force multiplier” for the defense establishment, noting that “modern warfare also takes place in space” and that Israel plans to invest billions of shekels over the next decade into building a “constellation of satellites.”

Levy emphasizes the satellite’s day-and-night radar imaging capabilities, saying these are “more essential today, particularly following Operation Rising Lion, which highlighted… that advanced observation abilities in our region are critical for achieving both air and ground superiority.”

Operation Rising Lion is the army’s name for the June strikes on Iran, which started a 12-day war.