Drones have become Hezbollah's main weapon in its war with Israel. Their importance lies not just in hitting targets, but in some drones’ ability to avoid detection by radar and the Iron Dome defense system.
In contrast, Israel has successfully intercepted most missiles before they reach their targets, according to the Israeli military.
From September 17 to late October, 76 drone launches were recorded, with over 170 drones of different sizes, some reaching up to 145 kilometers into southern Tel Aviv's outskirts.
Israeli media reported that more than 1,200 explosive drones have entered Israel since Hezbollah’s northern offensive last year. The Israeli security forces are still struggling to respond to this “deadly threat.”
Hezbollah has a large fleet of drones, with various types for different tasks. Military expert Brig. Gen. Khalil Helou explains that all of Hezbollah’s drones are Iranian-made, designed for long distances.
They were brought into Lebanon in parts, then assembled and modified to suit the needs of their operations near Israel.
Helou told Asharq Al-Awsat that Hezbollah uses three types of drones.
The first type is the small Hudhud reconnaissance drone, measuring 3.5 meters long with a 5-meter wingspan. It flies at low altitudes, up to 100 kilometers, which allows it to reach Tel Aviv.
The Hudhud is equipped with cameras and data storage and can be programmed to fly over target sites and return to its base in Lebanon. It can also be controlled remotely to adjust its mission.
Helou added that these drones are launched from special airports in Jezzine (southern Lebanon) and Hermel (northern Bekaa), as well as similar facilities in Syria. The drones are wheeled and require runways for takeoff and landing.
This week, Yedioth Ahronoth reported that many drones, especially those used for intelligence, managed to reach Haifa and even go beyond without being detected by Israel’s alert systems while crossing from Lebanon.
The Israeli Air Force did not attempt to intercept them.
Israeli research centers believe the Hudhud drones, recently used to monitor sites in Israel, are among the newest models. These electric drones are silent, have no thermal signature, and can fly up to 70 kilometers per hour.
They can take off and land vertically without a runway and are equipped with high-quality cameras that transmit live footage. Their small size and short radar waves make them hard to detect and track.
Hezbollah has previously released videos showing Hudhud drones filming strategic locations in Haifa, Tel Aviv, and other areas, adding them to a “target bank” for attack drones.
