Almas (missile)
| Almas | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Surface-to-surface missile Air-to-surface missile |
| Place of origin | Iran |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2021-present |
| Wars | Israel–Hezbollah conflict (2023–2024) 2026 Lebanon war |
| Specifications | |
| Warhead | Tandem HEAT/thermobaric |
| Engine | Solid-fuel rocket |
Operational range | 4 km (Almas-1) |
Guidance system | Imaging infrared homing (IIR) & electro-optical (EO) |
Almas (Persian: الماس, lit. 'diamond')[1] 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.[2]
History
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Iran reportedly was transferred Israeli Spike-MR missiles that were captured during the 2006 Lebanon War by Hezbollah,[3] which were converted into an unlicensed variant of the missile that was designated the Almas-1.[2][4] The ground-launched ATGM version was unveiled in public on 7 July 2021.[4] It was shown overseas at the MILEX 2023 exhibition held in May in Belarus[5] and at the Partner 2023 exhibition held in September in Serbia.[6]
On 25 January 2024, a video was released that appeared to show Hezbollah forces using the system against an Israeli surveillance outpost[7] at Shlomi.[8] On 27 January 2024, another attack involving the Almas was reported at Rosh HaNikra.[8]
In November 2024, it was reported that Israeli troops captured Almas ATGMs alongside Kornets from Hezobollah forces during Operation Northern Arrows.[9]
In January 2025, it was reported that the Badr ATGM was developed based on the Almas.[10][11]
Variants
Almas-1
Exact copy of the Spike with a range of 4,000 meters and weight of 15 kg.[12]
Almas-2
Has a range of 8,000 meters when fired from the ground with claims of penetrating up to 1,000 mm of armor.[12]
Almas-3
Clone of the Spike ER with its warhead based on a two-stage high-explosive or thermobaric type. It has a range between 10 and 16 km.[9]
Almas-4
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.[2] It is reportedly based on the Spike NLOS.[13]
Operators
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References
- ↑ "Hezbollah's 'diamond': How Iran turned Israel's cutting-edge missile against it". Ynetnews.com. Nov 24, 2024. Retrieved August 20, 2026.
- 1 2 3 Lara Jakes and Ronen Bergman (23 November 2024). "Hezbollah Believed to Be Using Copy of Israeli Missile Against Israel". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2025-06-18.
- ↑ "Report: Missile system captured by Hizbullah, sent to Iran". World Tribune. 6 November 2006. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - 1 2 "Iranian IRGC unveils ground-launched Almas anti-tank missile". Polygon Military Magazine. 8 July 2021. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ 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. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - 1 2 3 "Breaking down Hezbollah's rocket strategy: The Short-Range Threat". 26 February 2024.
- 1 2 "Israel Captured So Many ATGMs From Hezbollah That Considers Creating Units Using russian Kornet and iranian Almas | Defense Express". En.defence-ua.com. Retrieved August 20, 2026.
- ↑ "(VIDEO) Iran's Army Unveils Its Latest Top Attack Anti-Tank Missile, "Badr"". Defencesecurityasia.com. February 2, 2025. Retrieved August 20, 2026.
- ↑ "Iran Tests New Badr ATGM to Enhance Infantry Strike Capabilities news". Global.tendernews.com. Retrieved August 20, 2026.
- 1 2 Egozi, Arie (April 6, 2024). "Iran advances in developing Almas anti-tank system after reverse engineering". Zona-militar.com. Retrieved August 20, 2026.
- ↑ Bishnoi, Arun (February 20, 2025). "New Iranian Almas-4: Advanced Long-Range Anti-Tank Missile Technology". Overtdefense.com. Retrieved August 20, 2026.
- ↑ "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". Haaretz.com. Retrieved 2024-12-21.
- ↑ "Iranian Ground Forces Receive New Weapons, Aircraft". Caspiannews.com. Retrieved August 20, 2026.