This footage, released by Hezbollah, shows their forces shooting down a high-value Israeli observation drone over Southern Lebanon. This shoot down demonstrates their continued and growing Iran-backed anti-air capabilities.

The drone target is identified as a Hermes 900, made by Israel’s Elbit Systems. It first entered Israeli service in 2012, with its first combat usage following two years later. Although the Hermes is primarily used for intelligence gathering, it can also be armed with a Spike anti-tank missile. Because they fill similar roles, this makes the downing of this drone roughly analogous to destroying an American MQ-9 Reaper.

The Hermes was reportedly shot down with a “358” missile, which is a loitering, anti-air munition designed and supplied to Hezbollah by Iran. It first entered production and use between 2018 and 2019, and features a large number of commercial off-the-shelf parts to facilitate ease of production and plausible deniability, although the latter is largely a fiction.

About the Author

Cole Simms

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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