Click to see full-size image. Via X.
Late on October 25, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that its air defense systems had intercepted an anti-aircraft missile that was launched from southern Lebanon at one of its drones.
The UAV was apparently not damaged in the attempt. The IDF said that another warplane struck the source of the missile fire in southern Lebanon.
Video footage posted on social media showed the launch of an Israeli interceptor, reportedly from a Patriot air defense system, at the incoming anti-aircraft missile over the northern Israeli city of Tiberias. Hebrew media said that the missile was launched by Hezbollah.
Since the October 7 Hamas-led surprise attack, Hezbollah and its allies have had near-daily exchanges of fire with the IDF along the Israeli-Lebanese border.
Hezbollah possesses a large arsenal of man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS), including Soviet-made Igla-1 missiles which were reportedly supplied by Syria. However, the air defense capabilities of the group are thought to be much more extensive.
Last August, Hezbollah showcased a launcher for a Soviet-made Kub air defense system at a new military museum in the southern Lebanese city of Baalbek, de-facto confirming that it is in possession of the system that was likely provided by Syria.
Click to see full-size image.
Hezbollah may be in possession of even more advanced air defense systems. In the past, several intelligence and media reports speculated that the group received Russian-made Pantsir-S1 short range and Buk-M2E medium-range air defense systems from Syria. However, this is yet to be confirmed.
Click to see full-size image.
Click to see full-size image.
There were also rumours of Hezbollah receiving short, medium and long-range air defense systems from Iran, like the Sayyad-4.
Click to see full-size image.
Hezbollah attempted to shoot down Israeli combat drones over southern Lebanon on more than one occasion in the past. However, it did not succeed.
The IDF also used its long-range air defenses, including the Arrow system, to intercept anti-aircraft missiles launched from Syria in the past, with some success.
Hezbollah has lost more than 40 of its fighters since the clashes with the IDF broke out on the Lebanon Front. Most of the casualties were caused by Israeli combat drones, which explains why the group may have attempted to shoot down one. The group’s air defenses will likely become more active in the coming days.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC:
