Israel Launches $5.4 Billion Plan for Space-Based Weapons

Defense Minister Israel Katz announced a strategic initiative to establish Israel as one of the three leading global powers in space offense. The program aims to make Israel the first country capable of striking targets on Earth directly from orbit using kinetic attacks, potentially involving heavy tungsten projectiles, and systems designed to disrupt enemy infrastructure.

This military expansion is supported by a multiyear budget plan estimated at 16 billion shekels ($5.4 billion) over the next decade. The funding will enhance satellite intelligence, encrypted communications, and electronic warfare capabilities. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Katz are currently recruiting specialists to lead the effort, citing the necessity of long-distance force projection and deterrence, particularly regarding Iran.

Israel's ambitions align with a broader international arms race. The United States is pursuing space supremacy through an executive order by President Donald Trump to develop a prototype missile defense system by 2028 and explore space-based nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, US Space Command has prioritized anti-satellite weapons to counter rapid scaling by China and potential nuclear or laser deployments by Russia. Israel has already expanded its orbital presence with the 2025 launches of the Dror 1 communications and Ofek 19 surveillance satellites.