The Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD), the IDF, and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) successfully launched the Ofek 19 satellite into orbit on Tuesday, 2 September 2025, at 22:30 IST. The launch was conducted from an undisclosed site using a three-phased Shavit launcher, with the satellite entering orbit and beginning transmission as planned.

Engineers from the DDR&D Space Program Office and IAI’s Space Division have commenced pre-planned tests, which will continue until the satellite is fully commissioned. The project drew on experience from the Ofek programme, which has developed observation satellites since 1988.

The defence space programme is led by the DDR&D Space Program Office, working with IDF units including Unit 9900 of the Intelligence Directorate and the Israeli Air Force. IAI acted as lead contractor, developing both the satellite and launcher in collaboration with ELTA, Tomer Ltd., Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, and IAI’s MLM Division.

President Isaac Herzog said: “I was moved to witness the launch of Ofek 19 – a satellite made in Israel. It’s inspiring to see the extraordinary capabilities of Israeli industries. Years of outstanding, focused work have reached places we couldn’t imagine. We’re not just a Startup Nation – we’re a Space Nation. Israel must have a presence in space, where humanity’s future lies, which carries critically important strategic capabilities, particularly in the arena we’re engaged in. I congratulate IAI, the defense establishment, the DDR&D, the Defense Ministry, and all partners in this vital endeavor. This demonstrates once again that we are a unique and exceptional nation – there is no country like the State of Israel.”

Defence Minister Israel Katz stated: “This is a moment of tremendous national pride – for the people of Israel and all those who work tirelessly, day and night, to safeguard our security and future. Israel, once again, demonstrates its supremacy as one of the world’s leading technological and defense powers. Launching the Ofek 19 satellite into space represents another building block in Israel’s power projection on the global stage, reflecting the advanced capabilities of the Ministry, the IDF, and IAI. This achievement embodies a unique combination of Israeli innovation, excellence, and ingenuity – providing us with strategic superiority and significant reinforcement of our national security. I salute the engineers, developers, soldiers, and defense personnel who worked around the clock to deliver this exceptional achievement. Israel continues to soar, lead, and secure our defense with pride and strength.”

IMOD Director General Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram said: “Ofek 19, joining Israel’s satellite constellation in space, represents a significant force multiplier for the operational capabilities of our defense establishment. This represents a massive effort led by hundreds of personnel across the Ministry, the IDF, and defense industries. The Swords of Iron War, particularly Operation Rising Lion, demonstrated that modern warfare extends into space. Expanding and strengthening our foothold in space is a central objective in the Ministry’s strategy. In the coming decade, we will invest billions in deploying a satellite constellation that will allow us to maintain persistent, simultaneous surveillance of any point throughout the Middle East.”

Head of DDR&D Brig. Gen. (Res.) Dr. Daniel Gold commented: “Following our unprecedented wartime successes, including over 12,000 satellite images of Iranian territory during Operation Rising Lion, we have deployed an advanced satellite equipped with cutting-edge intelligence gathering capabilities representing the forefront of global technology. Space is becoming an increasingly critical domain of warfare, and this satellite delivers a quantum leap in operational and technological capabilities that will preserve and enhance Israel’s space-based superiority for decades to come.”

Boaz Levy, President and CEO of IAI, said: “As the State of Israel’s Space House, we are extremely proud of the successful development and launch of another satellite for the State of Israel, within less than two months. Ofek 19 is an SAR satellite that will provide Israel with intelligence capabilities during day, night, and all weather and visibility conditions. These capabilities are essential now more than ever, especially following Operation Rising Lion, which underscored that having advanced observation capabilities in our region is critical for achieving aerial and ground superiority. Ofek 19 joins Israel’s constellation of communication and observation satellites currently in space, all of which have been developed and manufactured by IAI.