Hezbollah's Acquisition of Almas Missiles from Israel
Hezbollah has reportedly captured Israeli Spike missiles during the 2006 conflict, which have since been transferred to Iran. This transfer has led to the development of the Iranian-made Almas missile family, a series of advanced anti-tank missiles designed for both surface-to-surface and air-to-surface operations. The Almas missiles are engineered to strike targets from above, enhancing their effectiveness against armored vehicles and fortifications.
Israeli officials have indicated that Hezbollah has utilized Almas missiles in its recent confrontations with the Israeli military, particularly during the ground operation named 'Northern Arrows' in southern Lebanon, which commenced in October 2024. The Almas missiles were first unveiled by Iran in April 2020 and have been officially deployed since January 2021, notably launched from the Ababil 3 drone during military exercises.
Specifications and Capabilities of Almas Missiles
The Almas missile family includes three versions, each with distinct specifications and capabilities: - Almas 1: A 1.1-meter long missile with a range of 4 kilometers, weighing approximately 15 kilograms. It features a dual detonation warhead designed to penetrate armor effectively. - Almas 2: An upgraded version with an 8-kilometer range and the ability to penetrate 80 centimeters of armor, also weighing around 15 kilograms. - Almas 3: The largest variant at 1.6 meters long and weighing 34 kilograms, capable of reaching targets up to 16 kilometers away and penetrating armor up to 100 centimeters thick.
The missiles utilize solid fuel and can be launched from both drones and ground platforms. They are equipped with advanced guidance systems, including imaging and thermal tracking, allowing for precise target identification day and night. The Almas missile family represents a significant advancement in Iran's military capabilities, particularly in anti-armor warfare.
