Israel successfully launched its Ofek-19 military spy satellite Tuesday night, which Defense Minister Israel Katz called both a major technological leap and a direct warning to the nation’s enemies.
The satellite was launched from Palmachim Airbase via a “Shavit” rocket and entered its planned orbit, according to the Israeli Defense Ministry. Initial tests have shown that the satellite is functioning as expected and is already transmitting data. Developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in collaboration with the Defense Ministry and IDF, Ofek-19 is equipped with synthetic aperture radar, capable of providing high-resolution imaging day or night — regardless of weather conditions, The Times of Israel reported.
🇮🇱 BREAKING: Israel has launched the Ofek 19 spy satellite, marking a historic leap in national defense and intelligence. With this launch, Israel joins an elite club of just 3–5 nations that can independently build, launch, and operate advanced reconnaissance satellites.
Ofek… pic.twitter.com/Ak9oE3kG8E
— Israel War Room (@IsraelWarRoom) September 3, 2025
Katz was blunt, writing on X: “The launch of the ‘Ofek 19’ satellite yesterday is an achievement of the highest global level. Few countries possess these capabilities. I salute the aerospace industry, the Ministry of Defense, the IDF, and everyone who took part in the development. It is also a message to all our enemies, wherever they may be — we are watching you at all times and in all circumstances. And in general, a message to the peoples of the region – come collaborate with these capabilities for a better shared future for all of us.”
שיגור הלוויין “אופק 19” אתמול הוא הישג ברמה העולמית הגבוהה ביותר. למדינות מעטות יש את היכולות האלה. אני מצדיע לתעשייה האווירית, למשרד הביטחון, לצה”ל ולכל מי שנטל חלק בפיתוח.
זהו גם מסר לכל אויבינו באשר הם – אנחנו פוקחים עליכם עין בכל שעה ובכל מצב. ובכלל המסר לעמי האזור – בואו… pic.twitter.com/I2aZPb6moN
— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) September 3, 2025
In the past two years, Israel has faced hundreds of rocket and missile attacks — most intercepted — from Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen.
President Isaac Herzog of Israel, who attended the launch along with Katz and senior defense officials, called it a milestone for Israel’s high-tech leadership, stating, “We are not only a Start-Up Nation, we are a Space Nation.”
Once operational, Ofek-19 will be handed over to the IDF’s elite Unit 9900, which specializes in visual intelligence. The satellite follows Ofek-13, launched in 2023, and is part of Israel’s broader plan to build a satellite constellation for intelligence dominance. Defense officials noted the satellite’s importance was highlighted during Operation Rising Lion, Israel’s recent confrontation with Iran.
With imaging resolution down to under 50 centimeters, Ofek-19 provides Israel with unmatched surveillance capabilities — a “force multiplier” in modern warfare, as officials have described it. Katz called the achievement “a moment of immense national pride” and a clear sign that Israel’s eyes are now firmly in the sky.
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