Once reliant on intermittent snapshots & delayed intelligence, Israel now maintains real-time, continuous surveillance across Iran.
By Hezy Laing
Israel’s satellite capabilities have entered a new era, fundamentally reshaping how the country monitors threats from Iran.
Once reliant on intermittent snapshots and delayed intelligence, Israel now maintains real-time, continuous surveillance across vast swaths of Iranian territory—thanks to a fleet of advanced satellites including the Ofek-class, Eros, and the newly launched Dror 12.
Before these upgrades, Israeli intelligence depended on periodic satellite passes that offered limited visibility.
Surveillance was constrained by orbital timing, weather conditions, and resolution limits.
Analysts had to piece together fragmented data, often waiting hours or days for updated imagery.
This lag hindered rapid decision-making, especially in dynamic environments like missile launch sites or mobile drone platforms.
Today, that paradigm has shifted.
The Ofek 13 satellite, launched in 2023, and its successors deliver high-resolution optical and radar imagery capable of penetrating cloud cover and operating day and night.
These satellites are now able to track hundreds of targets daily, covering hundreds of thousands of square kilometers across Iran with tactical precision.
The result is a live intelligence stream that allows the IDF to adjust air force missions mid-flight, retask strike aircraft, and conduct immediate battle damage assessments4.
During the June 2025 conflict, Israeli satellites played a decisive role in “Operation Rising Lion,” capturing over 12,000 fresh images during the shooting phase alone.
This data enabled pinpoint targeting of Iranian nuclear and missile facilities, including deep-buried sites like Fordow and Natanz.
Analysts could evaluate damage in near real-time and determine whether follow-up strikes were necessary.
This leap in capability also enhances Israel’s defensive posture.
Satellite data now contributes to early warning systems for Iranian missile launches, allowing for faster interception and civilian alerts.
The integration of satellite intelligence with platforms like the Oron spy aircraft further strengthens Israel’s multi-domain surveillance net.
In essence, Israel has transitioned from a reactive intelligence model to a proactive, persistent monitoring system.
The ability to surveil Iran continuously—without relying on foreign assets—marks a strategic milestone.
It not only deters adversaries but also empowers Israel to act with speed, precision, and confidence in an increasingly volatile region.
