| Almas | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Surface-to-surface missile Air-to-surface missile |
| Place of origin | Iran |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2021-present [citation needed] |
| Wars | Israel–Hezbollah conflict (2023–2024) |
| Specifications | |
| Warhead | Tandem HEAT/thermobaric [citation needed] |
| Engine | Solid-fuel rocket |
Operational range | 4 km (Almas-1) |
Guidance system | Imaging infrared homing (IIR) & electro-optical (EO) [citation needed] |
Almas (Persian:الماس,lit. 'insightful') is a family of unlicensed Iranian copies of the IsraeliSpike family ofsurface-to-surface andair-to-surfacemissiles used for anti-armor attacks.[1]
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Iran reportedly was transferred Israeli Spike MR missiles that were captured during the2006 Lebanon War by Hezbollah,[2] which were converted into an unlicensed variant of the missile that was designated the Almas-1.[1][3] The ground-launched ATGM version was unveiled in public on 7 July 2021.[3] It was shown overseas at the MILEX 2023 exhibition held in May in Belarus[4] and at the Partner 2023 exhibition held in September in Serbia.[5]
On 25 January 2024, a video was released that appeared to show Hezbollah forces using the system against an Israeli surveillance outpost[6] at Shlomi.[7] On 27 January 2024, another attack involving the Almas was reported at Rosh HaNikra.[7]
Exact copy of the Spike with a range of 4,000 meters and weight of 15 kg.[citation needed]
Has a range of 8,000 meters when fired from the ground with claims of penetrating up to 1,000 mm of armor.[citation needed]
Clone of the Spike ER with its warhead based on a two-stage high-explosive or thermobaric type.[citation needed]
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.[1]
Hezbollah: Known to be using the Almas.[8] They claim to possess Almas-1/2/3.[7]
Iran: Reverse engineered Spike-MR with modifications. Originally captured by Hezbollah during the 2006 Lebanon War and given to Iran.[9]