Tel Aviv: Two weeks after its successful launch, engineering teams from the Directorate of Defence Research and Development (DDR&D) Space Programme Office at the Israel Ministry of Defence (IMOD), Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), and Unit 9900 of the IDF Intelligence Directorate successfully activated the Ofek 19 satellite’s radar system for the first time.
Last night, the teams downloaded the first high-resolution images to IAI’s ground station in central Israel.
Since Ofek 19’s launch on September 2, 2025, IMOD and IAI teams have carried out a planned series of in-orbit tests, gradually and systematically activating all onboard systems and subsystems.
Following the completion of these procedures, the satellite’s advanced radar system was also successfully activated. The teams are continuing with meticulous testing and preparations in line with pre-planned protocols to ensure the satellite’s full operational readiness.
Ofek 19 is a state-of-the-art synthetic aperture radar (SAR) observation satellite, designed with cutting-edge technology of enhanced imaging and intelligence-gathering capabilities.
Boaz Levy, President and CEO of IAI, commented, “The first images received from the Ofek 19 observation satellite provide the Israeli defense establishment with a significant strategic advantage that will serve it across all arenas of warfare. IAI continuously works to develop and deliver the most advanced technologies – on sea, in the air, on land, and in space – including capabilities for connectivity and communication between them, from space, through the pilot in the cockpit, down to the soldier on the ground. In addition to the operational edge they provide, these technologies also enable the safeguarding of our soldiers’ lives.”
He further stated, “In the past two months, IAI has launched two satellites into space – the Dror 1 communications satellite and the Ofek 19 observation satellite – thanks to the creativity, courage, and intensive work of our employees, who are the key to our qualitative edge. We are proud to provide the State of Israel with world-leading, cutting-edge, blue-and-white capabilities – and we will continue to do so in the future.”
In the coming weeks, IAI, DDR&D, and the IDF Intelligence Directorate will finalise designated in-orbit testing to validate the satellite’s performance. Once these are completed, the Ministry of Defence will transfer responsibility of Ofek 19 to Unit 9900, the IDF’s visual and geospatial intelligence unit, for operational deployment.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
