Israel Launches Ofek 19 Spy Satellite, Showcasing Space and Defense Prowess

Israel has successfully launched its latest military reconnaissance satellite, Ofek 19, into orbit, marking another major step in the country’s strategic defense and technological advancement. The satellite, developed and produced entirely in Israel, was launched Tuesday night from a classified site using a three-stage Shavit launcher.

According to the Israeli Defense Ministry, the satellite reached orbit, began transmitting data, and has entered the testing phase, which will continue until it is fully operational. Ofek 19 is equipped with advanced synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology, allowing for high-resolution imaging under all weather and light conditions significantly boosting Israel’s surveillance and intelligence-gathering capabilities.

Once commissioning is complete, control of the satellite will be transferred to the IDF’s Unit 9900, the visual and geospatial intelligence unit responsible for mapping, imagery analysis, and real-time battlefield insights.

“I was moved to witness the launch of Ofek 19 a satellite made in Israel,” said President Isaac Herzog. “We’re not just a Startup Nation we’re a Space Nation. Israel must have a presence in space, where humanity’s future lies and where critically important strategic capabilities are developed.”

Defense Minister Israel Katz called the launch “a moment of tremendous national pride,” praising the collaboration between the Defense Ministry, Israel Defense Forces, and Israel Aerospace Industries. “This launch represents another building block in Israel’s power projection on the global stage,” Katz said. “It provides us with strategic superiority and significantly enhances our national security.”

Katz also saluted the engineers, developers, and soldiers who brought the project to life, emphasizing that the achievement embodies the excellence and innovation at the heart of Israel’s defense industry.

Ofek 19 is the latest in a long line of Israeli satellites that have reinforced the country's intelligence edge. The ability to monitor regional threats in real time from space further strengthens Israel’s deterrence and operational flexibility amid evolving security challenges.

Israel continues to lead not just on the battlefield but in the boundless arena of space proving once again that technological ingenuity and national resilience go hand in hand. Share this story or subscribe to our newsletter for more on Israel’s strategic advancements and cutting-edge defense capabilities.