Hezbollah's Advanced Missiles: Israeli Technology Meets Iranian Engineering
Israeli technology and Iranian engineering have combined forces to give Hezbollah one of the world's most advanced and precise missiles, known as the Almas missile. Equipped with optical homing or television guidance, these cutting-edge weapons can accurately strike targets over 8 kilometers away without the need for a direct line of sight, posing a significant threat to potential targets.
Origins of Optically Guided Weapons: Nazi Innovations to Modern Military
The concept of optically guided weapons, which utilize a camera to visualize and guide the ordinance to its target, can be traced back to the innovations of Nazi Germany. This technology allows the operator to manually steer the weapon, and in some cases, even search for and switch targets mid-flight. Today, this technology has become standard in modern militaries, including the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) which relies on the Rafael-produced SPIKE missile series.
Hezbollah's "Almas" Missile: Integrating Advanced Technology
Hezbollah's missile of choice, the "Almas," incorporates this advanced optical guidance technology. This allows the missile to lock onto targets day and night, engage moving targets, and be launched without a direct line of sight to the intended target. The Almas missile stands out for its remarkable precision, reducing risks for the forces launching it.
Israeli Origins: The SPIKE Missile and Hezbollah's Acquisition
The technology behind the Almas missile originally derived from Israeli innovation, specifically the SPIKE missile. During the Second Lebanon War, Hezbollah managed to acquire the SPIKE missile, and Iran's Revolutionary Guards reverse-engineered it. This led to the production and distribution of the Almas missile to Iranian proxy armies.
Countermeasures and Limitations: Precision Tool for Specific Scenarios
Efforts to counter such advanced optically guided weapons include tactics such as camouflage, smoke screens, and active protection systems like Israel's Trophy system. While the Almas missile undoubtedly enhances Hezbollah's strike capabilities, experts view it as a precision tool for specific scenarios rather than a game-changer.
International Efforts to De-escalate Tensions
French diplomats, along with other international actors, are working to mediate an agreement between Israel and Hezbollah in order to de-escalate tensions and prevent further conflict.
Analyst comment
Neutral news: The acquisition and development of the Almas missile by Hezbollah poses significant threats to targets, as it can strike with high accuracy without a direct line of sight. Countermeasures and defensive systems are in place to mitigate the risk. Efforts to de-escalate tensions between Israel and Hezbollah are underway.
