Almas (missile)
| Almas | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Surface-to-surface missile Air-to-surface missile |
| Place of origin | Iran |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2021-present [citation needed] |
| Wars | Israel–Hezbollah conflict (2023–2024) |
| Specifications | |
| Warhead | Tandem HEAT/thermobaric [citation needed] |
| Engine | Solid-fuel rocket |
Operational range | 4 km (Almas-1) |
Guidance system | Imaging infrared homing (IIR) & electro-optical (EO) [citation needed] |
Almas (Persian: الماس, lit. 'dimond') is a family of unlicensed Iranian copies of the Israeli Spike family of surface-to-surface and air-to-surface missiles used for anti-armor attacks.[1]
History
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Iran reportedly was transferred Israeli Spike MR missiles that were captured during the 2006 Lebanon War by Hezbollah,[2] which were converted into an unlicensed variant of the missile that was designated the Almas-1.[1][3] The ground-launched ATGM version was unveiled in public on 7 July 2021.[3] It was shown overseas at the MILEX 2023 exhibition held in May in Belarus[4] and at the Partner 2023 exhibition held in September in Serbia.[5]
On 25 January 2024, a video was released that appeared to show Hezbollah forces using the system against an Israeli surveillance outpost[6] at Shlomi.[7] On 27 January 2024, another attack involving the Almas was reported at Rosh HaNikra.[7]
Variants
[edit]Almas-1
[edit]Exact copy of the Spike with a range of 4,000 meters and weight of 15 kg.[citation needed]
Almas-2
[edit]Has a range of 8,000 meters when fired from the ground with claims of penetrating up to 1,000 mm of armor.[citation needed]
Almas-3
[edit]Clone of the Spike ER with its warhead based on a two-stage high-explosive or thermobaric type.[citation needed]
Almas-4
[edit]Almas-4, the newer generation of this missile, among other improvements, send clearer images of its flight back to its operators. According to CAT-UXO, a munitions awareness group, this missile can carry two types of warheads. One can detonate in two phases, making it easier to penetrate armor. The other is a fuel-air bomb that explodes into a fireball.[1]
Operators
[edit]
Hezbollah: Known to be using the Almas.[8] They claim to possess Almas-1/2/3.[7]
Iran: Reverse engineered Spike-MR with modifications. Originally captured by Hezbollah during the 2006 Lebanon War and given to Iran.[9]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Hezbollah Believed to Be Using Copy of Israeli Missile Against Israel". The New York Times. 23 November 2024.
- ^ "Report: Missile system captured by Hizbullah, sent to Iran". World Tribune. 6 November 2006. Archived from the original on 14 February 2024. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
- ^ a b "Iranian IRGC unveils ground-launched Almas anti-tank missile". Polygon Military Magazine. 8 July 2021. Archived from the original on 29 January 2024. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
- ^ Adam M. Maciejewski (December 2023). "Przeciwpancerne pociski kierowane Iranu cz. 2" (in Polish). ZBIAM.
- ^ Gosselin-Malo, Elisabeth (28 September 2023). "How Iranian, Russian arms makers shared a Belgrade trade fair hall". Defense News. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
- ^ Rogoway, Tyler (25 January 2024). "Iranian Knock-Off Of Israel's Spike Missile Used In Hezbollah Attack". The Drive. Archived from the original on 29 January 2024. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ a b c "Breaking down Hezbollah's rocket strategy: The Short-Range Threat". 26 February 2024.
- ^ "A Profile of Hezbollah's Almas Missile – Capabilities and Significance". 4 April 2024.
- ^ "Hezbollah Reveals Advanced Missile Strikes and Intel Sortie Over Iron Dome Battery - National Security & Cyber - Haaretz.com". www.haaretz.com. Retrieved 2024-12-21.