The launch was carried out from an undisclosed test site by a three-phased “Shavit” launcher
The Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D) Space Program Office in the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD), the IDF, and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) successfully launched the Ofek 19 satellite into space last night (Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025) at 22:30 IST.
In line with the original launch plan, the satellite entered its orbit, began transmission and underwent a series of initial tests.
The DDR&D’s Space Program Office engineers, in collaboration with IAI’s Space Division engineers continue to carry on pre-planned tests until the satellite is fully commissioned in the near future.
Ofek 19 satellite was developed drawing on experience accumulated by the defense establishment and IAI in developing the advanced Ofek observation satellites, which have been launched to space since 1988.
The defense space program is led by the DDR&D’s Space Program Office and includes various stakeholders within the IDF, such as Unit 9900 of the Intelligence Directorate and the Israeli Air Force (IAF). IAI developed and manufactured both satellite and launcher as lead contractor.
IAI’s Systems, Missiles and Space (SMS) Group, through its SPACE Division, led the project in collaboration with the ELTA Group, who produced the payload, and IAI’s MLM Division, who developed the launcher alongside Tomer Ltd. and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, who manufactured the launch vehicle’s rocket engines.
Upon entering into operation, the IMOD will transfer command of the satellite to Unit 9900, the IDF’s visual and geospatial intelligence unit.
President of Israel, Isaac Herzog: “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.”
Defense Minister, Israel Katz: “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: “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 the IMOD’s DDR&D, Brig. Gen. (Res.) Dr. Daniel Gold: “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.”
President and CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Boaz Levy: “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. We take great pride in showcasing our human capital and technological strength that leads to the development of such complex, groundbreaking systems, which position Israel at the forefront of global technological capabilities and innovation.”
Head of the IMOD’s DDR&D Space Program Office, Avi Berger: “The launch of Ofek 19 marks a significant leap forward in Israel’s defense and technological capabilities in space. Developed and manufactured by Israel Space Industry’s top engineers, the satellite ensures continued operational independence and strategic flexibility in the intelligence arena. The operational capabilities from space that were demonstrated during ‘Swards of Iron’ and ‘Rising Lion’ have emphasized the necessity of leveraging our security superiority in space. Ofek 19 joins Israel’s operational satellite constellation in space which, through groundbreaking technology, significantly enhances the IDF’s intelligence capabilities and will enable Israel to maintain its operational advantage in both distant and nearby arenas.”
