On May 16, Hezbollah released video footage of a strike carried out using a rocket-armed UAV. The UAV, which seems to be an Ababil T, launched two missiles at a target near the community of Metula before crashing into another.
This attack introduces several innovations:
First off, since Hezbollah started battling Israel on October 8, 2023, this is the first record—and presumably the first use—of an attack UAV armed with rockets.
Second, unlike previous attacks using the Ababil UAVs, the current UAV was equipped with a rearward-transmitting camera. This enables the UAV pilot to fly it and hit its targets, and also enabled documentation of the attack. This matter is very important for Hezbollah as part of its propaganda and awareness campaign.
Aside from these improvements, this strike is consistent with the Hezbollah’s UAV modus operandi we recently published. This includes launching from a location near the border, thus providing a short flight duration and the ability to pilot the UAV manually. All of this is meant to make it more difficult to intercept the UAV.
The rockets used in this attack were S5 rockets from the Soviet era. These unguided rockets are often fired from a pod installed on helicopters and aircraft. Several variations with varied warheads weighing 1-2 kg and an operational range of up to 4 kilometers have been introduced. Additionally, the rocket may be upgraded to become laser-guided.
However, Hezbollah’s video published on May 16 indicates that the missiles were fired from pipes fitted on the UAV’s wings and were not guided rockets. Furthermore, the short range to the target and the lack of a guidance system obliged the UAV operator to discharge the rockets aiming directly in line with the target while diving. The operator then directed the UAV at the secondary target, crashing into it.
It should be noted that although this is not a very advanced capability at this stage, it does constitute a significant leap forward for Hezbollah. In addition, it is known that Iran possesses UAVs capable of launching precision-guided missiles, and it is likely that Hezbollah possesses such capabilities and will use them later or in a scenario of all-out war with Israel.
As for the non-standard use of rockets, in the past we have seen the use of S5 rockets launching pods in various and creative configurations by Hezbollah, Assad’s army and others. For example, the picture below, cut from a video we released in August 2023, shows the installation of such pods on BTR vehicles, apparently in Hezbollah’s service.
It is important to remember that, while Hezbollah has only now demonstrated this capability, it is not new. Iran has assisted Hezbollah in developing the capabilities and operating infrastructure of its UAVs as part of the Iranian UAV Army’s power-building efforts. In addition, Hezbollah’s UAV operator has had years of training. This is obvious in the number of aircraft in the organization’s possession, the deployment of airfield infrastructure in Lebanon, and the pilots’ competence level.
It is highly likely that Hezbollah’s UAV operators have received long and extensive training on Iranian soil, and some of them have operational experience accumulated during their operation during the civil war in Syria.
