Hezbollah’s Anti-Tank Guided Missile “Tharallah” Awaits Israel’s Merkava

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — In the event that Israel’s Merkava main battle tanks invade the Lebanese border to hunt down Hezbollah fighters, they are likely to face the anti-tank guided missile system “Tharallah” owned by the armed group.

Introduced by Hezbollah in 2015, the “Tharallah” launcher system has been tested in several battles between the armed group and Israel’s Merkava tanks and shields.

 Although it was operated by Hezbollah fighters in 2015, the group only showcased the anti-tank guided missiles in 2023 during an exercise conducted by its members.

The fighters are said to be highly satisfied with the capabilities of the “Tharallah” anti-tank guided missile system.

In addition to using the “Tharallah” guided missile system, Hezbollah fighters also use other anti-tank guided missile systems such as the “Kornet” and others.

 

The “Tharallah” anti-tank guided missile system is equipped with two “Dehlavieh” guided missiles launched at an interval of 0.4 seconds each, with the aim of defeating the “Trophy” active protection system on the Merkava tanks.

“Dehlavieh” is an Iranian-made variant of the Russian-made “Kornet” guided missile.

The use of two “Dehlavieh” guided missiles in the “Tharallah” guided missile system is specifically intended to defeat the “Trophy” APS (Active Protection System) installed on the Merkava main battle tanks..

The Israeli military introduced the “Trophy” APS system following the destruction of its armored vehicles in the conflict with Hezbollah in 2006.

After the 2006 conflict, the Israeli military conducted research on how to deal with third-generation anti-tank guided missile attacks.

 

After several years of development, the Israeli military introduced the “Trophy” active protection system, which was jointly developed by Israeli defense firms Rafael and Leonardo DRS.

 The “Trophy” APS system is the most widely tested active protection system in the field, with approximately 1,500 Merkava 4 tanks and ground vehicles equipped with this defense system.

The “Trophy” APS system uses an AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar to provide 360-degree protection against any threats.

 Once a threat is detected by the AESA radar, the “Trophy” APS system launches what is called a “penetrator” to destroy any incoming projectiles aimed at the armored vehicle.

All of this happens in a matter of milliseconds. — DSA

DEFENCE  SECURITY ASIA APPS

 

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