The anti-tank threat is a central threat facing IDF forces (infantry and armored units) operating in southern Lebanon. We assess that Hezbollah possesses thousands of anti-tank missiles of various types. The most advanced missile (precision munition) is the Almas missile (“Diamond” in Persian), manufactured in Iran. The Almas is the product of reverse engineering based on the Israeli Gil missile family produced by Rafael. The Almas missile has four versions. Each version presents an upgrade in the missile’s range, its warhead, performance, and guidance seekers. The different versions are equipped with an advanced dual anti-tank warhead (“tandem”), enabling deep armor penetration. The known ranges are: Almas-1 up to 4 kilometers, Almas-2 up to 8 kilometers, and Almas-3 and 4 up to 16 kilometers. This is a missile capable of striking targets beyond line of sight, along an arcing (lofted) trajectory, which ultimately enables a top-attack against the target. The ability to strike a target beyond line of sight allows two things. First, a significant extension of the engagement range. Second, the ability for an operator to guide the missile to its target, similar to the American Javelin missile. The Almas missiles can be launched from a variety of platforms carrying a tripod operated by a fighter or from a compact launcher. The heavier and longer-range Almas-3 and 4 can also be launched from a vehicle, helicopter, or UAV. “Fire and forget” — the missile can be launched already locked onto its target, or it can travel using inertial navigation toward the desired area and acquire the target later, with fine adjustments from the operator behind it. In the fourth generation there is a significant change: the transition to wireless control and communication with the missile, as opposed to the fiber-optic link used in earlier generations. This is a lethal missile that caused casualties during the war in 2024.
