Sources within the Israeli occupation forces, cited by Israeli media outlet Haaretz, have acknowledged that the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon - Hezbollah succeeded in downing an Israeli Kochav drone, otherwise known as the Elbit-Systems-manufactured Hermes 900 drone.

The sources in the army stated on Monday that this "is happening for the first time," emphasizing that Hezbollah's downing of the Hermes 900 is a reminder that "Israeli army drones are not immune."

In this context, Haaretz recognized Hezbollah's air defense capabilities, which allowed it to shoot down Israeli drones, including not only the Kochav but also a Zik drone, otherwise known as Hermes 450 drone, which was downed back in February.

According to various reports, Hezbollah's anti-aircraft system consists of, among other things, a combination of heavy gunfire and shoulder-fired surface-to-air missiles (MANPADS), such as the Strela-2 and Igla missiles, which operate at medium to high altitudes.

The newspaper speculated that the targeting of the drone could be through a Saqr 358 missile, but it remained that the International Institute for Strategic Studies pointed out that "Hezbollah has not yet disclosed its possession of additional long-range anti-aircraft systems."

Why is this incident important?

The importance of Hezbollah's downing of the Hermes 900 drone can be seen through the features highlighted by Haaretz. This drone, which entered operational service for the first time in 2014, is capable of attacking targets using precision air-to-ground missiles.

However, the majority of the Hermes 900's activity is intelligence-related, due to its long-range and extended flight capabilities. It continuously monitors areas using advanced photographic arrays, including electro-optical and thermal lenses, laser sensors, and other equipment that integrates radar for target identification and tracking, Haaretz reported.

Additionally, the website emphasized that "dedicated pods can be installed on this type of drone, allowing it to intercept various types of wireless communications. It also includes electronic warfare devices capable of disrupting and blocking wireless communications when necessary."

Hezbollah published early Sunday footage of its fighters shooting down the Hermes 900 armed drone that had been violating Lebanon's airspace on Saturday.

The Israeli occupation military said that a surface-to-air missile was launched toward an Israeli Air Force unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in Lebanese airspace, which hit and downed it, adding that the incident was being investigated.

#المقاومة_الاسلامية تنشر مشاهد من عملية إسقاط مسيّرة مسلّحة تابعة لجيش العدو الإسرائيلي من نوع هرمز 900 فوق الأراضي اللبنانية.#طوفان_الأقصى pic.twitter.com/zFWF4TKsw2

— قناة الميادين (@AlMayadeenNews) April 6, 2024

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