HEZBOLLAH HAS AN AWSOME ARSENAL

World's most powerful terror group: Hezbollah's full arsenal explained

Lebanon-based terror group boasts an extensive weapons cache, yet faces significant challenges against the IDF.

 

By Israel Shamay and Makor Rishon  

 

Israel Hayom

Aug 28, 2024

 

 Hezbollah's arsenal includes missiles capable of striking targets up to 310 miles away and drones with an operational range of 1,240 miles.

 

The dramatic escalation On Sunday, which saw the Israeli Air Force destroy thousands of rocket launchers in Lebanese territory and Hezbollah retaliate with approximately 300 rockets and missiles launched toward Israel, was preceded by a comprehensive CNN article published last night. This report offered an in-depth analysis of the terrorist organization's military capabilities.

The CNN article primarily focused on Hezbollah's arsenal, detailing the range of its weapons and the estimated size of its fighting force. Drawing from a variety of sources including Iranian, Israeli, and American intelligence, the report also provided a comparative analysis between the Shiite terror group's capabilities and those of the IDF.

Hezbollah's arsenal includes missiles capable of striking targets up to 310 miles away and drones with an operational range of 1,240 miles. This extensive weaponry makes Hezbollah the most heavily armed non-state actor globally, with a military force surpassing that of many sovereign nations. The group benefits from an estimated $700 million in annual Iranian investment. According to CNN's data, Hezbollah's diverse arsenal encompasses rockets, missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), air defense systems, and surface-to-air missiles.

The terrorist group's ammunition stockpile is estimated to include between 120,000 and 200,000 missiles and rockets, spanning fourteen primary types, with the vast majority being of Iranian origin. For short-range operations, Hezbollah possesses Fajr-1 missiles (effective up to 6 miles), Falaq-1 and 2 rockets (7 miles) – both of which have already been deployed against Israel in the current conflict – Shahin-1 (8 miles) 333mm rockets capable of reaching the Israeli northern city of Nahariya, and Chinese-manufactured launchers firing 122mm type 81 rockets (13 miles), bringing the Israeli city of Acre within their effective range.

Hezbollah's medium-range arsenal includes Katyusha rockets with a 25-mile range, Fajr-3 missiles that pose a threat to Israeli cities Haifa and Tiberias, Raad-2 and 3 missiles (37-43 miles), and Fajr-5 missiles (47 miles) capable of striking the city of Hadera. The terrorist group's long-range capabilities are represented by Khaibar-1 missiles, which can reach targets up to 62 miles away, putting Tel Aviv within range, and Zelzal rockets with a 99-mile range, capable of hitting Jerusalem. While these long-range rockets carry significant payloads, they are considered less accurate and more vulnerable to interception.

For its longest-range capabilities, are the Fateh-110 ballistic missiles. These 3.5-ton projectiles are noted for their relative accuracy at long distances, with a range of 186 miles. The group also possesses Scud missiles capable of striking targets up to 310 miles away, effectively covering the entirety of Israel. The Israeli military has extensive experience countering Scud missiles, dating back to their first operational use during the 1973 Yom Kippur War when Egypt launched three such missiles at IDF positions in the Sinai. The most notable use of Scuds against Israel occurred during the 1991 Gulf War, when 39 of these missiles, in an advanced variant, were fired at Israeli territory.

 

The Fateh-110 can travel 180 miles and have a payload of around 500lb

Scud missiles are capable of striking targets up to 310 miles away

 

Complementing its rocket arsenal, Hezbollah has invested heavily in UAV technology. Its drone fleet includes the Ababil-T and Mirsad-1, both with a 75-mile range and a track record of deployment against Israel dating back to 2004. The Mirsad-2 and Mohajer-4, also used for reconnaissance against Israel in 2004, have an extended range of 93 miles. The Mohareb and Quds Yasir drones, based on American designs developed by Boeing, can reach targets up to 124 miles away.

The Saegheh-Karrar represents Hezbollah's venture into smaller, more versatile drones. With a range of 620 miles, it can carry either a single 550-pound bomb or two smaller explosive devices, alternatively configured with anti-ship missiles. However, the crown jewel of Hezbollah's UAV arsenal is the Shahed-129. Modeled after the Israeli Hermes 450, this large drone boasts a 52-foot wingspan, 24-hour flight endurance, and a maximum range of 1,240 miles. Its capabilities were demonstrated in 2012 when the Israeli Air Force intercepted one such drone over the Israeli southern city of Dimona, an incident later reported by British media as involving a Shahed-129.

Hezbollah's air defense capabilities are bolstered by Russian-made, mobile medium-range systems. These include the outdated 9K33 Osa, which Israel targeted during the First Lebanon War, with a range of 6 miles. A more modern addition is the Pantsir S-1, effective up to 12 miles and designed to engage both aircraft and cruise missiles. Israel has actively targeted these systems, destroying at least three Pantsir S-1 batteries in Syria between 2018 and 2019. The Buk system (designated SA-17 Grizzly by NATO) rounds out Hezbollah's air defense, capable of engaging aircraft, helicopters, drones, cruise missiles, and guided munitions. This system's radar can detect threats up to 19 miles away, engage targets at ranges up to 31 miles, and is equipped with cannons capable of firing 2,500 rounds per minute at ranges up to 2.5 miles.

The terrorist group's man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) include the Russian-made 9K310 Igla-1 with a range of 1,600 feet, the 9K32 Strela-2 reaching 2.1 miles, and the 9K34 Strela-3 effective up to 2.8 miles. Hezbollah has also acquired Chinese-inspired Misagh-1 and 2 missiles, with an operational range of 3-3.7 miles.

A Reuters report suggests that Hezbollah has also obtained Russian-manufactured anti-ship missiles with a range of approximately 186 miles, further expanding its threat to naval targets. William F. Wechsler, senior director of the Middle East Program at the Atlantic Council, recently told Newsweek, "Hezbollah is a well-funded army and the battle will be tough." This assessment appears to be widely accepted among experts.

"Hezbollah's survival in a conflict with Israel hinges on its ability to overcome these defensive systems"

Hezbollah's operational capabilities pose a significant threat to Israel. Beyond its numerical and technological superiority over Hamas, Hezbollah operates with greater organizational sophistication and strategic acumen. CNN reported that the impact of Hezbollah on Israel is substantial, with over 60,000 people displaced from its northern border region, and dozens of casualties, including both military personnel and civilians. Moreover, the average Hezbollah operative benefits from more rigorous training and superior equipment compared to their counterparts in Hamas.

However, CNN also emphasizes that one should not equate the strength of even the world's most powerful non-state armed terror group with that of Israel. There remains a substantial disparity in military capabilities between Hezbollah and the IDF. While Hezbollah's Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah claimed in 2021 to command approximately 100,000 fighters, all estimates, including CNN's, suggest a significantly lower number. The international news outlet reports that Hezbollah's force consists of 50,000 personnel, with 30,000 regular troops and 20,000 reservists. In contrast, the IDF boasts a total force of 634,000, comprising 169,000 active-duty soldiers and 465,000 reservists. The CIA's 2022 assessment put Hezbollah's total fighting force at no more than 45,000, with regular troops not exceeding 20,000.

Provoking Israel's full firepower could significantly degrade the group's [Hezbollah] capabilities, setting it back years – if not decades – and destroying large parts of Lebanon, which has buckled under the weight of its years-long financial crisis.," CNN reported, adding that the group has already lost more than 400 fighters, including commanders, in border confrontations with Israel since October."

CNN highlighted the crucial role of Israel's Iron Dome defense system in the ongoing conflict. "Hezbollah has achieved some success in challenging the renowned Iron Dome system by overwhelming it with a barrage of drones and short-range missiles, attempting to create openings for other weapons to penetrate deeper into Israeli territory," the article stated. "Hezbollah's chances of withstanding an all-out war with Israel depend on whether it can outmaneuver these defense systems, which have successfully intercepted thousands of attacks from Iran, Gaza, and Lebanon in recent months."

The article also noted Israel's additional defensive capabilities, including the David's Sling and Arrow systems, designed to intercept ballistic missiles, large-caliber rockets, and cruise missiles.

CNN concluded with a sobering assessment: "Because of Hezbollah's growing power, a possible all-out war between Israel and Lebanon would thrust the Middle East into uncharted waters. The diplomatic effort to prevent it is likely to continue at a breathless pace."