A team of engineers and operators from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and the Space Administration at the Ministry of Defense's Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D), operated this evening (September 22) at 17:10, for the first time, the payload of the observation satellite Ofek 11, and successfully downloaded the first pictures from the satellite.

Today, Tuesday, September 13th, at 17:40, the Space Administration under the Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D) at the Ministry of Defense, along with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), launched the Ofek 11 satellite into space. The satellite was launched with the Shavit launcher from a test site in central Israel.

Take a look: The Ministry of Defense, continuing its countdown to the December 2016 arrival of Israel's first F-35s, completed its semi-annual procurement data summary.

Meet the Eitan- Israel's first wheeled, actively protected APC.

At 10:00 this morning, the final three Lavi aircraft were presented at an official ceremony, symbolizing the completed purchase of the trainer planes.

Ministry of Defense Deputy Director General and Head of Procurement, Shmuel Tzuker thanked the Italian delegation for "the deep friendship between Italy and Israel and the teamwork between both defense ministries and security industries in both countries."

Pictured (right to left): CEO of Leonardo, Mauro Moretti, Ministry of Defense Director General Maj. Gen. (res) Udi Adam, MOD Deputy Director General and Head of Procurement Shmuel Tzuker, and Hazterim Base Commander Brig. Gen. Avshalom Amosi

Yesterday (Wednesday, July 13, 2016), at the Kerem Shalom Crossing point, Ministry of Defense Crossing Authority officials, in collaboration with the Shin Bet, stopped an Israeli pull-trailer transporting a large shipment of spare auto parts on its way to the Gaza Strip. The trailer aroused the suspicion of officials and closer inspection revealed a 4x4 pickup dismantled into ten parts. It was deconstructed in a way to facilitate reassembly, even including packages of screws. The unearthed vehicle is a favorite of Hamas' military wing and is often used by its operatives.

The parts were confiscated and an investigation has been launched to locate those involved and responsible.

Earlier today, the first truck from the Turkish transport ships arrived from Ashdod Port to the Kerem Shalom crossing. The truck contained a shipment of toys (dolls and teddy bears) as well diapers in cartons bearing the Turkish flag.

Ministry of Defense Crossing Authority personnel and COGAT officials unloaded the goods and are preparing them for transfer into Gaza.

Take a look at the F-35 Adir

Here it is-- Israel's first F-35

Happening now: Join us live for the official unveiling of Israel's first F-35!

http://www.mod.gov.il/Defence-and-Securi…/…/lmf35israel.aspx

Tune in today at 18:00 (11:00 am ET) and watch the official unveiling of Israel's first F-35.

Today, SIBAT, the International Defense Cooperation Directorate at Israel's Ministry of Defense, will be presenting a wide array of innovative and extensively proven defense technologies at Israel's National Pavilion at the 2016 Eurosatory defense exhibition in Paris, France.

Twenty-nine Israeli companies will display their cutting edge systems such as robotics solutions, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) with unique border protection and intelligence capabilities, armored vehicles, force protection equipment, electro-optical devices for artillery and infantry, airborne communications, will be on display.

Pictured below: MOD Director General, Gen. (res) Udi Adam, SIBAT Director Brig. Gen. (res) Mishel Ben Baruch, and Israel's Ambassador to France, Aliza Ben Nun.