Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz stated on the “X” platform: “The launch of the ‘Ofek 19’ satellite is a top-level global achievement, and only a few countries possess such capabilities.” The Defense Ministry clarified that the satellite was launched on Tuesday evening at 10:30 PM Israel time (7:30 PM GMT) using a ‘Shavit’ rocket from central Israel, as part of the Israeli security space program. It noted that the rocket was launched from an undisclosed site, began transmission, and underwent a series of initial tests.
It added that once operational and ready for service, its command will be transferred to the military’s visual and geospatial intelligence unit. The satellite was launched in a joint operation between the Ministry of Defense, the Israeli military, and Israeli Aerospace Industries, using the ‘Shavit’ satellite launch platform from a test site in central Israel.
The satellite, designated for military purposes, features advanced radar capabilities. Upon entering its orbit around Earth, it will undergo a series of tests designed to verify its safety and performance. Israel plans to deploy around 20 small satellites to provide comprehensive coverage of the region, including monitoring nuclear and missile activities and providing early warnings of ballistic missile launches.
