Launch Ofek 19 Satellite

The Directorate of Defence Research and Development (DDR&D) Space Program Office in the Israel Ministry of Defence (IMOD), the IDF, and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) successfully launched the Ofek 19 satellite into space on the night of Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025, at 22:30 IST. The launch was carried out from an undisclosed test site by a three-phased “Shavit” launcher, said Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), established in 1953 as Bedek Aviation Company, in its recent press release.

Ofek 19 satellite was developed drawing on experience accumulated by the defence establishment and IAI in developing the advanced Ofek observation satellites, which have been launched to space since 1988.
 
The defence 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 is the primary contractor for Israel’s satellite programs, including the Ofeq reconnaissance satellites and Eros earth observation satellites, critical for both military and civilian applications like mapping and environmental monitoring.

In 2022, IAI’s revenue reached a record $5 billion, with a significant order backlog driven by global demand for its defence systems, including a $1 billion drone deal. IAI invests heavily in R&D, with about 25% of its annual budget dedicated to innovation, making it Israel’s largest employer of engineers

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.”

Israel is one of seven countries (USA, China, Russia, India, Iran, and Japan) globally with the ability to build and launch its own satellites, using the domestically developed Shavit launch vehicle, based on the Jericho-II ballistic missile. The first satellite, Ofeq-1, was launched on September 19, 1988, from Palmachim Airbase, making Israel the seventh nation with orbital launch capability.

Over 60 space companies operate in Israel, focusing on satellites, ground stations, propulsion, and data processing.

Based on the press release of IAI. Pic from IAI. Pic cover AI-generated. Illustrative.