(VIDEO) Hezbollah Downs Fifth Israeli Hermes 450 Drone Since Conflict Began
(VIDEO) This incident marks the fifth Hermes drone shot down by Hezbollah fighters since the onset of the conflict in southern Lebanon involving the pro-Iranian armed group and the Israeli military. In addition to the Hermes 450, Hezbollah forces also downed a larger Hermes 900 drone operated by the Israeli military.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Hezbollah fighters have successfully downed another Israeli military drone, a Hermes 450, in the al-Aishiya area of southern Lebanon while it was conducting Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations.
Al-Aishiya is located approximately 13km from the southern border of Lebanon and northern Israel.
This incident marks the fifth Hermes drone shot down by Hezbollah fighters since the onset of the conflict in southern Lebanon involving the pro-Iranian armed group and the Israeli military.
In addition to the Hermes 450, Hezbollah forces also downed a larger Hermes 900 drone operated by the Israeli military.
Known within the Israeli military as “Zik,” the Hermes 450, developed by the Israeli defense company Elbit Systems, is employed for ISR tasks and can be equipped with weaponry for strike operations.
Hezbollah has also distributed a video showcasing the downing of the Hermes 450 drone.
It is believed that Hezbollah utilized surface-to-air missiles to achieve this feat.
According to Israeli media, the Israeli military uses the Hermes drones to monitor southern Lebanon, but the successful interceptions by Hezbollah challenged the authority of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).
Previously, Israeli military analysts reported that Hezbollah now employs advanced dual-mode guided missiles from Iran to counter the presence of Israeli-operated drones in the region.
These advanced Iranian dual-purpose guided missiles, previously a mystery to the West, have been responsible for downing American drones in Yemen and now pose a significant threat to Israeli forces operating drones in southern Lebanon.
Reports in the Israeli media outlet Haaretz reveal that the sophisticated Iranian-made missiles used by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon are known as “Saqr 358” and combine the capabilities of a kamikaze drone and an anti-aircraft missile.
Developed by Iran, this advanced missile has also been effectively used by Iran-backed proxy groups in various Middle Eastern conflict zones such as the Houthis in Yemen and other armed groups in Iraq, and now by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
Since 2020, the Houthi armed group has released videos showing the use of the “Saqr 358” anti-aircraft missile in destroying fighter jets, helicopters, and drones.
These videos depict “Saqr 358” approaching its target before exploding upon impact, causing destruction.
The versatility and effectiveness of the Iranian dual-mode advanced guided missile “Saqr 358” have made it the weapon of choice for Iran-backed proxy groups in the Middle East to counter enemy drones, enhancing their ability to disrupt and counteract enemy surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, particularly those of US allies.
The increasing use of these advanced guided missiles by Hezbollah and other pro-Iran armed groups has significantly challenged the operational capabilities of the Israeli military, particularly units reliant on unmanned aerial vehicles.
By destroying these Israeli unmanned platforms, Hezbollah and other pro-Iran armed groups have diminished the Israeli military’s ability to conduct precise strikes and gather intelligence. — DSA
