A simple invention by Hezbollah targeting Israeli Merkava tanks

Hezbollah in Lebanon is among the best-trained and well-equipped groups to attack Israel. One of their most intriguing innovations is a special anti-tank grenade launcher engineered to overcome the active defense system named Trophy, deployed on Merkava tanks. We take a closer look at how this invention functions.

Hezbollah, a Shia political faction in Lebanon, forms part of the governing body. They boast an estimated militia of approximately 20,000 fighters with access to modern anti-tank weaponry, such as Dehlavieh anti-tank guided missiles (an imitation of the Russian 9M133-1 Kornet-E), and a large arsenal of rockets.

Interestingly, the fighters have created a unique platform utilizing the popular anti-tank RPG-7 grenade launchers, which in theory, could beat the Israeli active defense system Trophy, employed on Merkava tanks.

Previous experiences have shown that RPG-7 launchers firing tandem warheads, whether they are Iranian-made PG-7VR grenades or locally produced Yasin grenades in the Gaza Strip, have proven ineffective against tanks equipped with the Trophy system.

So far, aside from the losses of Trophy-equipped Merkava tanks from the infamous surprise Hamas raid in early October, there have been no further losses since Israeli Defense Forces entered the Gaza Strip. Nonetheless, impacts on older vehicles, such as the Achzarit, have been recorded in which some suffered damage (one was destroyed).

As a result, Hezbollah fighters have developed a special mount for two RPG-7 grenade launchers. During an assault on a target, two grenades are launched almost simultaneously, with the second one slightly delayed. The objective here is to ensure that at least one anti-tank grenade breaches the defense and ideally strikes the tank's side armor.

The Israeli Trophy system uses radar to identify threatening objects and releases explosively formed MEFP (Multiple Explosively Formed Penetrator) penetrators to neutralize them. In theory, if a second missile is launched immediately after the first one is eliminated, it might be concealed in the "noise" generated by fragments and debris from the prior missile. Consequently, it may bypass detection by the radar.

However, it's important to point out that the time window for such an action is extremely short, and could not be accomplished with only two RPG-7 fighters. At the very least, a mechanically controlled solution would be necessary for proper synchronization.