Hezbollah’s fibre-optic drones expose Israel’s counter-UAV gap in southern Lebanon
SmartShooter’s SMASH family could be under consideration by Israel as a counter-measure. (Photo: SmartShooter)
Israel is working to close a counter-drone capability gap exposed by Hezbollah’s fibre-optic systems, drawing on battlefield lessons from Ukraine to replace improvised defences with targeted solutions.
Hezbollah’s kamikaze fibre-optic-guided drones are emerging as one of the most difficult threats facing Israeli forces operating in southern Lebanon, exposing a gap in the Israel Defence Forces’ (IDF) ability to counter low-cost, precision-guided systems that are largely immune to conventional electronic jamming.
Israeli defence companies have so far failed to field an effective countermeasure to these wire-guided drones, while parts of the Israeli military establishment are facing criticism for their lack of preparedness for a threat that is causing mounting human and material losses.
Military sources in Israel say Hezbollah is using modified drones fitted with RPG-type warheads designed to penetrate building
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Airbus unveils expansion of uncrewed portfolio with new CCA and helicopter platforms]()
Airbus unveils expansion of uncrewed portfolio with new CCA and helicopter platforms
The manufacturer is betting heavily on the demand for uncrewed systems, revealing the uncrewed H145M – known as the U145 – and the U760 Ravenstorm at ILA Berlin 2026 as the two latest additions to its expanding UAV offering.
-
![FCAS future fighter jet collapse: where does Europe’s next-generation air power go next?]()
FCAS future fighter jet collapse: where does Europe’s next-generation air power go next?
While the New Generation Fighter pillar of the Franco-German-Spanish programme is now officially dead in the water, Germany’s ambition to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet remains – with the country serving as a financially attractive potential partner for other programmes.
-
![Upgrades and fresh orders reinforce demand for Dassault’s Rafale fighter jet (updated 2026)]()
Upgrades and fresh orders reinforce demand for Dassault’s Rafale fighter jet (updated 2026)
The French-made aircraft is lining up potentially huge orders in Asia, with the latest F5 platform designed to keep the jet relevant in the modern battlespace until the 2040s.
-
![France air focus: Lower-cost sovereign capabilities propel $11.38 billion UAV market]()
France air focus: Lower-cost sovereign capabilities propel $11.38 billion UAV market
France is estimated to be Europe’s second-highest spender on UAVs, with a market focused on domestic production, loitering munitions and lower-cost sovereign systems. Its spending profile highlights substantial future market opportunities while reflecting broader industry trends.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Helicopters and CUAS set to dominate as Europe advances rearmament efforts]()
Eurosatory 2026: Helicopters and CUAS set to dominate as Europe advances rearmament efforts
The biennial show in Paris will focus heavily on autonomous technology, counter-drone solutions and helicopters, as countries ramp up defence budgets and focus on modernising defence capabilities.
-
![North American appetite for European AEW&C aircraft bolstered as Canada picks GlobalEye]()
North American appetite for European AEW&C aircraft bolstered as Canada picks GlobalEye
Canada’s selection of Saab’s GlobalEye to fulfil its airborne early warning requirements draws the country closer to European industry over American-made platforms, snubbing Boeing and L3Harris.
