On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, Hezbollah announced that it had launched a ballistic missile of the “Qadir-1” type towards the headquarters of Israeli intelligence, the “Mossad,” located on the outskirts of Tel Aviv. This marks the first time such an escalation has taken place since the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel began over a year ago.
Hezbollah clarified that the targeted Mossad facility was responsible for assassinating its leaders and for planting the explosive devices in “beepers” and radio communication equipment, incidents that occurred last week. Meanwhile, Israeli authorities claimed that their air defense system intercepted a medium-range ballistic missile fired from Lebanon towards Tel Aviv earlier this morning.
What Is Hezbollah’s “Qadir-1” Missile?
No official details have been disclosed regarding the precise technology behind the “Qadir-1” missile. However, American reports suggest it is an enhanced version of Iran’s “Shahab-3” ballistic missile, capable of carrying a warhead weighing between 700 to 1000 kilograms.
The same-named Iranian missile, “Qadir-1,” was unveiled for the first time on September 2, 2013, in Tehran. It boasts unique capabilities, particularly in targeting coastal installations and naval vessels. This missile forms a core component of both the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Iranian military, which possess substantial quantities of it. American reports also indicate that the Houthis in Yemen possess variants of the missile.
This announcement marks the first official confirmation that Hezbollah has acquired this Iranian-made missile.
Specifications of the “Qadir-1” Missile
- Type: Medium-range ballistic missile
- Length: 15.5 to 16.58 meters
- Diameter: 1.25 meters
- Weight: Between 15,000 to 17,480 kilograms
- Warhead: High-explosive payload weighing between 700 to 1000 kilograms
- Propulsion: Liquid fuel in the first stage, solid fuel in the second stage
- Versions: Qadr S (range: 1,350 km), Qadr H (range: 1,650 km), Qadr F (range: 1,950 km)
- Launch capabilities: Can be launched from multiple locations, including coastal areas or naval vessels, providing significant operational flexibility
- Guidance system: Inertial guidance + GPS
Hezbollah’s Missile Arsenal
Hezbollah is renowned for possessing a diverse range of advanced missiles, including ground-to-ground and tactical missiles such as the “Fadi-1” and “Fadi-2.” These are often used to target Israeli bases, disrupting supply chains and accurately striking distant targets with a margin of error as small as 10 meters.
Additionally, Hezbollah has long utilized “Katyusha” rockets, which have formed the backbone of its missile arsenal for decades. These rockets are capable of hitting targets inside Israel at ranges up to 40 kilometers. Over the years, Hezbollah has developed more advanced missiles, such as the “Fajr-3” and “Fajr-5,” which have a range of 75 kilometers and were used to strike strategic targets during the 2006 war.
Hezbollah’s missile stockpile also includes ballistic missiles like the “Zilzal-1” and “Zilzal-2,” which have a range of 210 kilometers and carry heavy payloads of up to 600 kilograms of high-explosive material, making them highly effective for targeting distant hostile locations.
At the pinnacle of Hezbollah’s missile capabilities is the “Fateh-110,” a missile with a range of 300 kilometers, known for its precision and lethality. It is equipped with advanced guidance systems, making it one of Hezbollah’s most vital deterrent weapons in the face of any potential Israeli aggression.
Hezbollah’s missile arsenal forms an integral part of its strategy to create a balance of deterrence with Israel. According to reports by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, these missiles play a key role in both Hezbollah’s defensive and offensive strategies.
