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Israel has successfully launched its newest military spy satellite, Ofek 19, from the Palmahim Airbase in central Israel, the Defense Ministry confirmed on Tuesday.
The launch was carried out in the early hours under strict secrecy, in a joint operation involving the Defense Ministry, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), and Israel Aerospace Industries. The satellite was deployed into orbit using a “Shavit” satellite launcher from a secure test site in the central region.
According to the Defense Ministry, the Ofek 19 satellite is part of Israel’s long-running military space program. It is an advanced radar reconnaissance satellite designed to provide high-resolution imaging capabilities under any weather conditions, day or night.
This capability ensures that Israel can maintain surveillance and intelligence-gathering operations with minimal disruption, a key advantage in an increasingly volatile regional security environment.
The satellite’s deployment was overseen by the ministry’s Space Directorate in MAFAT (Administration for the Development of Weapons and Technological Infrastructure), working closely with the IDF.
Military intelligence’s elite Unit 9900, which specializes in satellite imagery and geospatial analysis, as well as the Israel Air Force, are expected to play crucial roles in the satellite’s operational integration.
For now, Ofek 19 will undergo a series of tests in orbit to ensure all its systems are functioning correctly. Once cleared, it will join the rest of Israel’s spy satellite network, contributing real-time intelligence that supports defense planning and operational readiness.
The Ofek satellite series has been central to Israel’s defense strategy since the first launch in 1988. The previous addition, Ofek 13, was launched in March 2023. Each new generation has introduced technological improvements, with Ofek 19 representing the most advanced reconnaissance satellite Israel has yet deployed.
Despite the mission’s success, the secrecy surrounding the launch briefly caused public alarm. Residents across parts of Israel reported unusual sightings in the night sky, with some fearing a missile launch amid heightened regional tensions. The absence of advance warnings or official alerts fueled speculation and panic in some areas.
The Defense Ministry clarified that the launch was intentionally unannounced due to security concerns. By only confirming it after completion, authorities aimed to minimize risks of interception or targeted disruption by hostile actors.
Defense officials emphasized that Ofek 19 represents a significant step forward in Israel’s space and intelligence capabilities. “This launch strengthens our ability to monitor threats and secure Israel’s future,” the ministry said in a statement, while declining to share technical details about the satellite’s exact capabilities.
With regional security challenges intensifying, Israel continues to prioritize the development of advanced surveillance and intelligence technologies. The Ofek 19 launch underscores the country’s commitment to maintaining a strategic edge through innovation in both defense and space exploration.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members