Israel’s Ofek-13 reconnaissance satellite takes off from central Israel on March 29, 2023. (Israeli Defense Ministry)
On March 29, the Israeli Ministry of Defense announced that it has successfully launched the Ofeq-13 synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) spy satellite into orbit.
“The Ofeq-13 satellite is an observation satellite with advanced capabilities,” the ministry said in a statement after the launch.
SAR satellites are used to provide 24-hour all-weather Earth observation, as they rely on radio waves that can penetrate clouds.
A second statement from the ministry said that the spy satellite “successfully entered orbit, has begun transmitting data, and completed an initial series of inspections in accordance with original launch plans.”
The development of Ofeq-13 was led by the ministry’s Space and Satellite Administration. Several units of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), including the visual intelligence Unit 9900 and the air force, were also involved. Israel Aerospace Industries was the main contractor for the satellite, which is the latest in a line of IDF observation assets in space.
An upgraded Shavit 2 launch vehicle delivered the satellite into orbit from the Palmachim Airbase at 2:10 a.m. local time. The launch was attended by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and senior IDF officers, including deputy chief of staff Major General Amir Baram.
Gallant praised the successful launch of the Ofeq-13 as “yet another important example of the Israeli defense establishment’s groundbreaking innovation.”
“Israel has already proved its diverse space capabilities many times and is one of very few countries to possess such capabilities, capabilities that we continue to develop and strengthen,” the minister said.
Once fully operational, the control of the new spy satellite will be handed over to Unit 9900 of the IDF’s Military Intelligence Directorate known as Aman.
Israel launched 13 spy satellites into orbit as a part of the Ofeq program over the past four decades. The IDF keeps the capabilities and tasks of these satellites classified. The new launch came amid heightened tensions with Iran, which will likely be among the main targets of the Ofeq-13.
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