Israel intensifies strikes on Beirut: What weapons might Hezbollah use?
In recent days, tensions in the Middle East have been rising. Shelling conducted since Monday, September 23, towards Beirut has resulted in a tragic toll so far—several hundred people have died, including high-ranking Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Kubaisi. The Israeli army is intensifying its attacks on the group's targets in Lebanon. But what weapons might Hezbollah use in response?
9:47 AM EDT, September 25, 2024
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is deepening. Long-standing tensions have escalated into bloody attacks in recent days. One of these was an operation carried out in Lebanon by Israeli forces using modified pagers that exploded immediately upon receiving a message.
Increasing tensions in the Middle East
Shortly afterward, Israel conducted massive shelling towards Lebanon. The strikes, which began on Monday, September 23, have resulted in several hundred deaths—the latest figures report over 550 fatalities and nearly 2,000 wounded.
What means might Hezbollah use in response? Let's recall that this Shia group is one of the main components of the Lebanese government and is considered very well-equipped and trained. Here's an overview of Hezbollah's arsenal.
Hezbollah's arsenal
The group not only possesses a large number of various types of rockets and weapon systems but is also developing modern technologies, such as drones. However, it has relatively few infantry units—especially compared to Israel's 170,000-strong army. Hezbollah has about 30,000 soldiers in active service, with nearly an equal number in reserve, about 20,000.
A portion of Hezbollah's arsenal is thanks to Iran. Tehran supplies the organization with various types of drones that are used not only for strikes but also for aerial surveillance. Iran not only provides this equipment but also produces it.
Hezbollah therefore has an extensive range of unmanned weaponry, such as drones. These primarily include Mirsad 1/Ababil-T drones with a range exceeding 62 miles, Mohajer 4 drones reaching a distance of 93 miles from the launch point, and the Ma'arab drone with a range of 124 miles. However, the most valuable UAVs are the Karrar with a reach of 621 miles and the Shahed-129 reaching up to 1,243 miles.
Hezbollah's arsenal also includes BM-21 Grad 122 mm rocket launchers, which are popular Soviet self-propelled rocket launchers from the 1960s. They can strike targets up to 12 miles away. With a maximum speed of about 50 mph and a range exceeding 249 miles, they are mobile and can easily move on the front line. Additionally, there are BM-27 Uragan 220 mm launchers, capable of hitting targets up to 37 miles away.
The Lebanese organization also possesses Bastion systems, used to combat naval units. These advanced Russian-made missile systems have enormous offensive potential and can be used to attack large enemy naval vessels.
Thousands of rockets in the arsenal
However, the most noteworthy are the missiles and rockets in Hezbollah's arsenal. The group is reported (according to sources cited by CNN) to possess between 120,000 and 200,000 different missiles. These include various types of ballistic missiles, such as Iranian Zelzal-1 and Zelzal-2, capable of attacking targets 78-130 miles away. The most dangerous weapons in the organization’s arsenal are the Fateh-110 ballistic missiles, which can reach distances of 186 miles and carry very precise warheads thanks to inertial and satellite navigation, as well as SCUD-B/C/D missiles with a range of up to 311 miles.
Smaller units used for attacks below a 62-mile range in Hezbollah’s arsenal are primarily the Khaibar-1 (range of 62 miles), the Fajr-5 (47 miles), and its smaller version, the Fajr-3, which reaches a distance of 25 miles.
