Israel successfully launched its first fully government-funded communications satellite, “Dror-1,” into space on Sunday from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The Innovation, Science and Technology Ministry announced that around $200 million has been invested in the advanced satellite since 2018, in close collaboration between Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and the Israeli Space Agency.

Weighing approximately 4.5 tons and spanning 17.8 meters, Dror-1 is set to operate in a geostationary orbit roughly 36,000 kilometers above Earth—an orbital position that allows it to remain fixed over a single point on the globe, as its orbital speed matches Earth’s rotation. IAI has not disclosed the satellite’s exact orbital location or whether it will replace either of Israel’s aging Amos-2 or Amos-3 satellites.

Footage of the Dror-1 launched ( Video: SpaceX )

A break from private operators

Until now, Israel’s communications satellites—mainly from the “Amos” series—were built by IAI but operated by the private company Spacecom. That model began to unravel in 2016, when Amos-6 exploded on the launchpad in Florida due to a SpaceX malfunction, before it even took off. Spacecom quickly leased Amos-7 from AsiaSat as a temporary solution.

In 2019, Amos-17 was launched, manufactured by Boeing. Controversy followed when Spacecom announced its intention to outsource Amos-8 to U.S.-based Loral, sparking public and governmental backlash. In response, Israel decided in September 2018 to build future satellites domestically and, at the same time, adopted a national long-term strategy for satellite communications.

3 View gallery Dror-1 ( Imaging: IAI )

The launch of Dror-1 marks a clear policy shift: Israel is moving from dependency on private firms to a model where the state leads, funds, and manages its satellite communication infrastructure. After decades of relying on privately operated and sometimes foreign-made satellites, the government has opted to reclaim full control, ensuring strategic independence in both civilian and military contexts.

The move reflects not only a desire to preserve domestic expertise but a renewed understanding that satellite-based communication is vital to national sovereignty. Built entirely with Israeli technology under government direction, Dror-1 ensures direct control over critical communications infrastructure—free from external contractors, commercial availability, or foreign interests.

From Ofek to Beresheet

Over the years, IAI’s Yehud-based space division has built numerous satellites, including the military-grade “Ofek” reconnaissance series (beginning in 1986), the lunar lander “Beresheet” (which crash-landed on the moon), and the agricultural monitoring satellite “Venus.”

According to the Innovation, Science and Technology Ministry, Dror-1 is the first in a planned series of around 10 Dror satellites, which will form the backbone of Israel’s independent national satellite communications strategy. Dror-1 is expected to provide reliable coverage through at least the late 2030s.

3 View gallery Dror-1 before the launch ( Photo: IAI )

The ministry called Dror-1 a “technological breakthrough” in satellite communications, equipped with cutting-edge digital transmission systems and a “space smartphone” feature that allows unprecedented communication flexibility throughout its operational lifespan.

A new era in national space strategy

Brig. Gen. (res.) Uri Oron, head of the Israeli Space Agency, stressed the symbolic and strategic importance of the launch. “Dror-1 represents a new era of Israeli independence and technological strength in space,” he said. “We must view space as a national asset. Today, we are realizing that vision. This satellite will strengthen Israel’s global standing and ensure advanced, independent communications capabilities for decades to come. It is a testament to Israeli excellence and global technological leadership.”

Omer Shechter, director general of the Innovation Ministry, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the contrast with the Amos satellites: “Dror-1 reflects the perfect integration of Israeli scientific excellence and the national vision for technological independence,” he said. “It demonstrates our ability to lead complex, multi-partner projects that strengthen Israel’s status as a global innovation powerhouse.”

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Shechter added that the launch is a milestone in achieving full communications independence for Israel and marks the end of its reliance on private firms for national satellite needs. The satellite is designed to serve both civilian and defense needs, including during emergency or wartime scenarios. “This project advances the national strategy for technological sovereignty while preserving decades of Israeli industrial expertise,” he said.

3 View gallery ( Photo: IAI )

Innovation Minister Gila Gamliel called the launch “a genuine national technological achievement” and praised the dedicated components developed specifically for the Israeli Space Agency. “Dror-1 strengthens Israel’s status as a global tech leader and guarantees full communications independence for the next decade and beyond,” she said. “This is a decisive step in maintaining our technological edge and reinforcing our strategic autonomy.”

Boaz Levy, CEO of IAI, added: “As Israel’s national space house, we are immensely proud of the successful development and launch of Dror-1, the most advanced communications satellite ever built in Israel. This project preserves a vital strategic capability for the country and ensures essential satellite communications for years to come.”

Levy emphasized that Israel’s space program has gone from vision to reality through the creativity and innovation of IAI employees. “Dror-1 joins our fleet of communications and observation satellites, serving both Israel and international clients,” he said. “We are proud to showcase our human and technological strength to the world—once again, in blue and white—as part of the global space industry.”