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Countries 2026-03-21 4 min read

Lebanon

iran axis proxy Defense Budget: N/A
Role in Conflict

Hezbollah serves as Iran's most powerful proxy in the region, with a significant missile arsenal and air defense capabilities aimed at Israel.

Ballistic Missiles

NameTypeRangeStatus
Fatah-110 Solid-fuel ballistic missile 250 km Operational
Zelzal-2 Liquid-fuel ballistic missile 200 km Operational
Khalij Fars Solid-fuel ballistic missile 300 km Operational

Cruise Missiles

NameTypeRangeStatus
Yasser Cruise missile 500 km Operational
Ababil Cruise missile 200 km Operational

Drones & UAVs

NameTypeRoleStatus
Ababil-3 Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) Reconnaissance Operational
Zelzal-3 UAV Strike Operational

Air Defense Systems

SystemTypeRangeOriginQuantity
S-300PMU-2 Surface-to-air missile system 150 km Russia 12 launchers
Buk-M1 Surface-to-air missile system 70 km Russia 6 launchers
9K33 Osa Surface-to-air missile system 10 km Russia 12 launchers

Air Defense Assessment

Hezbollah's air defense capabilities are considered robust, with a mix of Russian and Iranian systems, but its effectiveness is limited by the lack of a comprehensive air defense network.

Strike Aircraft

AircraftTypeQuantityRole
Il-76 Transport aircraft 2 Transport
An-26 Transport aircraft 1 Transport
Mi-24 Attack helicopter 10 Attack

Naval Assets

Hezbollah has a limited naval capability, with a few small boats and a handful of anti-ship missiles, but its effectiveness is limited by the Israeli Navy's dominance in the region.

Key Facilities

Beirut International Airport

Military airbase — Beirut

Hezbollah's primary airbase for military operations

Nasrallah Barracks

Military base — Beirut

Hezbollah's headquarters and main military base

Sayyed Shuhada Complex

Military base — Beirut

Hezbollah's main training facility and logistics hub

Tyre Airport

Military airbase — Tyre

Hezbollah's secondary airbase for military operations

Sidon Port

Military port — Sidon

Hezbollah's primary port for military logistics and supplies

Jubail Port

Military port — Jubail

Hezbollah's secondary port for military logistics and supplies

Intelligence Agencies

Al-Manar

Intelligence gathering and analysis

Al-Ahed

Intelligence gathering and analysis

Proxy Network

Hezbollah serves as Iran's primary proxy force in the region, with a network of allies and affiliates in Lebanon and beyond.

Nuclear Status

Status: NON_NUCLEAR

Hezbollah does not possess any nuclear capabilities or programs, but its allies in Iran have a nuclear program that is subject to international sanctions and monitoring.

Combat Record

Hezbollah has been involved in several recent military actions, including the 2020 clashes with Israel in the Golan Heights and the 2019 clashes with Israel in the Shebaa Farms.

2006-07-12
Second Lebanon War
Weapons: Rockets and artillery
Ceasefire
2008-12-28
Operation Cast Lead
Weapons: Rockets and artillery
Ceasefire
2019-05-10
Shebaa Farms clashes
Weapons: Rockets and artillery
Ceasefire

Strategic Assessment

Threat Level: HIGH

Robust missile arsenal
Effective air defense capabilities
Strong intelligence gathering and analysis capabilities
Large network of allies and affiliates
Ability to launch surprise attacks
Limited air power and naval capabilities
Dependence on Iranian support
Vulnerability to Israeli air strikes
Limited ability to project power beyond Lebanon
Internal divisions and rivalries

Outlook

Hezbollah's military capabilities and strategic position in the region make it a significant threat to Israel and its allies, but its effectiveness is limited by its dependence on Iranian support and its vulnerability to Israeli air strikes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hezbollah's role in the Iran-Israel conflict?

Hezbollah serves as Iran's primary proxy force in the region, with a significant missile arsenal and air defense capabilities aimed at Israel.

What are Hezbollah's military capabilities?

Hezbollah has a robust missile arsenal, effective air defense capabilities, and strong intelligence gathering and analysis capabilities, but its air power and naval capabilities are limited.

What is Hezbollah's relationship with Iran?

Hezbollah is closely aligned with Iran and receives significant financial, military, and strategic support from its ally.

What are Hezbollah's strategic goals?

Hezbollah's strategic goals include the liberation of Israeli-occupied territories, the establishment of a Palestinian state, and the promotion of Shia Islam in the region.

What is Hezbollah's relationship with other regional actors?

Hezbollah has a complex relationship with other regional actors, including Syria, Lebanon, and the Palestinian factions, and is often at odds with its Sunni Arab neighbors.

Sources

Hezbollah's Military Capabilities The Institute for National Security Studies Research paper
Hezbollah's Air Defense Capabilities The Middle East Media Research Institute Research paper
Hezbollah's Missile Arsenal The Jerusalem Post News article
Hezbollah's Strategic Goals The Brookings Institution Research paper

Related Topics

Iran's Proxy Network Israel Syria Israel Iran Nuclear Strike Iran's April 2024 Attack on Israel Middle East Arms Race

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