Ofek Satellites, Classified Mossad Tool and New Weapons Top Israel's 2026 Security Prize Winners

Defense Minister Israel Katz has announced the winners of Israel's 2026 Security Prize, highlighting a group of classified and breakthrough defence projects that officials say delivered a decisive technological edge in recent campaigns. The honoured projects include a newly developed weapons system used in Operation Roaring Lion, a classified Mossad capability, advances in the Ofek satellite constellation, a Unit 81 technological breakthrough, and critical electronic warfare platforms.

Key Recognitions

New Weapons System: Officials described a domestically developed weapons system as "key during the last campaign against Iran." The project — developed and manufactured entirely in Israel — will be recognized alongside the Israel Air Force and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.

Classified Mossad Capability: A second classified system credited with significantly expanding the Mossad's intelligence collection and operational reach will be honored jointly to the Mossad, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and the Air Force. Details remain restricted due to the program's sensitive nature.

Ofek 19 satellite launched by Israel. (credit: Kobi Richter)

Ofek Satellite Array: The Ofek constellation, including Ofek 13 and Ofek 19, was singled out as a critical technological asset that provided operational advantages during recent conflicts. Awards for this achievement will go to IAI's Missile Systems, Space and Elta divisions, the Space Directorate, the Defense Ministry's Space Research and Development unit, and Unit 9900 of the IDF Intelligence Division.

Unit 81 Breakthrough: Unit 81 received recognition for delivering a pioneering technological solution to a longstanding operational problem. The prize for this effort will be shared with the MMM Division, Unit 8200, the Research Division at the Military Intelligence Directorate, and IAI.

Electronic Warfare: An electronic warfare system credited with helping Israel maintain air superiority across recent campaigns will be awarded to contributors including the IDF R&D unit, Rafael, the Air Force, Elbit Systems' Elisra and Unit 8200.

Ceremony Details and Significance

The awards will be presented at an official ceremony at the President's Office, with Defense Minister Katz, President Isaac Herzog, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir and Defense Ministry Director General Amir Baram in attendance. Katz said the past year "proved to the entire world the tremendous strength of the State of Israel, of the defense establishment and of the Israeli defense industries," and stressed that the recognized systems delivered "unprecedented operational, intelligence and technological superiority."

All winning projects are largely shrouded in secrecy, but together they underscore Israel's continued emphasis on indigenous defense innovation and integrated intelligence-operational capabilities.