Hezbollah adopts advanced drone tactics from Ukraine war to counter Israel | The Jerusalem Post
AI Analysis
Hezbollah is actively adapting drone warfare tactics observed in the Ukraine conflict, specifically employing fiber-optic guided drones to circumvent electronic warfare countermeasures. These drones, capable of carrying up to 6kg of explosives, are remotely controlled up to 15km away and represent a significant escalation in Hezbollah's capabilities. Initial deployments relied on Iranian-supplied one-way attack drones, but the shift towards fiber-optic control demonstrates a focus on overcoming existing Israeli defenses.
Key Takeaways
- Hezbollah is learning from drone tactics used by both Russia and Ukraine in the ongoing conflict.
- The primary adaptation is the implementation of fiber-optic guided drones, making them resistant to jamming.
- These fiber-optic drones have a range of up to 15km and can carry a 6kg explosive payload.
- Hezbollah initially utilized Iranian-supplied loitering munitions (one-way attack drones) which are vulnerable to existing air defenses like Iron Dome.
- The shift to maneuverable, fiber-optic guided drones represents a more complex and challenging threat to Israel.
Why It Matters
This development indicates a growing sophistication in Hezbollah’s drone program and a proactive effort to negate Israeli counter-UAS capabilities. The use of fiber-optic guidance significantly reduces the effectiveness of electronic warfare, requiring Israel to invest in alternative detection and interception methods. This also highlights the rapid proliferation of drone technology and tactics across various conflict zones.
Hezbollah adopts advanced drone tactics from Ukraine war to counter Israel | The Jerusalem Post
Hezbollah enhances drone capabilities by learning from Ukraine war tactics - analysis
Hezbollah is upgrading its drone tactics by incorporating fiber-optic tech and strategies from the Ukraine war, aiming to enhance its attacks against Israel amid supply shortages and evolving threats
A drone is seen during a military exercise in an undisclosed location in Iran, in this handout image obtained on October 4, 2023.(photo credit: IRANIAN ARMY/WANA (WEST ASIA NEWS AGENCY)/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS)
Hezbollah has been increasing its use of drones over the last few years of war with Israel. As it has increased its use of drones, it is also seeking to use new types of drones and learn from other conflicts.
One place that Hezbollah appears to be looking for lessons is in the exponential increase in the types of drones being used in the war in Ukraine. Both Russia and Ukraine have invested heavily in drones.
Hezbollah initially began the war in October 2023 with access to Iranian drone technology. This primarily consists of one-way attack drones.
These types of systems are usually about the size of a person or a small car, and they fly based on a series of waypoints or directly toward a target. They have a warhead and can slam into the target.
There is no control by a “man in the loop,” and the drone does not usually maneuver. These types of drones are relatively slow-moving and can be shot down by planes, helicopters, or air defenses such as Iron Dome.
A drone is launched during a military exercise in an undisclosed location in Iran, in this handout image obtained on October 4, 2023. (credit: REUTERS)
Hezbollah had used drones that could maneuver and return to Lebanon in the past, usually using them for surveillance. The more complex threat that is emerging is the use of drones that not only maneuver but are also harder to jam.
As Israel’s N12 media noted, “the terrorist organization has a type of drone that is operated by fiber optics…The drones are controlled from a distance of up to 15 km and carry up to 6 kg of explosives.” The point of using fiber optics is to make the drone impossible to jam, since it is connected to the operator by a very thin line.
The report went on to claim that Hezbollah has turned to using drones “controlled via fiber optics. With this technology, electronic warfare does not affect the vehicle, and Hezbollah is able to control it from a distance of up to 15 kilometers. These are drones similar to those used in the war in Ukraine, and it is clear that Hezbollah is very skilled in operating them.”
Use of these types of drones was pioneered during Ukraine conflict
The use of these types of drones was pioneered during the conflict in Ukraine. In Ukraine, both Russia and Ukraine rely on drones. Ukraine has pioneered various tactics on the frontline, providing troops with large numbers of different types of drones.
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