Drones have dramatically altered battlefield tactics worldwide, prominently in conflicts like the Armenia-Azerbaijan war, the Russia-Ukraine war, and operations by various Iranian-backed militias.

Israel, an early pioneer in military drone use, now endures daily drone assaults on multiple fronts for over six months. This shift is a stark reminder of how quickly technological advancements can turn against their innovators.

Following the terrorist attack on October 7, Hamas has effectively deployed inexpensive, small commercial drones, forcing the IDF to install metal cages over their tanks to thwart drone-dropped explosives. While Hamas's drone usage was significant in the ground battles in Gaza, Israel's primary drone threat emanates from Iran's 'Axis of Resistance.'

This threat reached a peak with the largest drone attack ever recorded when Iran launched 185 drones in several swarms against Israel. Remarkably, all were intercepted before reaching their targets. Iran-backed militias in Syria and Iraq, as well as Yemeni Houthi rebels, occasionally launch drones against Israel, but Hezbollah has significantly escalated its drone assaults. In April alone, Hezbollah executed more than one drone attack per day.

Hezbollah's initial assaults on Israel last October primarily involved rockets and anti-tank missiles. However, the group has since increasingly relied on drones, resulting in numerous Israeli casualties over recent months. Western nations' drones, including those from Israel and the U.S., are typically designed for long-range missions, either for intelligence gathering or delivering precise munitions while returning to base.

Conversely, Iranian drones are often designed as "suicide" or kamikaze drones, intended to explode on impact. These drones, simple and cheap to produce, function as low-cost cruise missiles, delivering large warheads with high precision.

Hezbollah has benefited greatly from Iranian arms, a relationship that intensified following the Syrian Civil War. This conflict enabled Iran to strengthen its influence in Syria, facilitating larger and more frequent arms shipments to Hezbollah through the country.

Israel has consistently worked to disrupt these covert arms shipments in an effort dubbed the “war between wars.” Despite these efforts, Hezbollah has amassed a substantial arsenal, including around 150,000 rockets and missiles, and approximately 2,000 drones of varying types and ranges. While most of these drones were imported from Iran, Hezbollah's local assembly and production of Iranian-designed drones is increasingly concerning for Israel.

Many of Hezbollah’s drones are based on the Iranian “Ababil” model, known for its simple design, making local assembly easy. Despite being detectable by modern radars, the Ababil’s small radar cross-section and low production cost make it a successful export, used by groups from Yemen to Pakistan.

The Ababil drone can travel up to 120 km (74 miles), reach speeds of 370 km (230 miles) per hour, and operate at altitudes up to 3,000 meters (over 9,800 feet), carrying up to 40 kg (88 lb) of explosives. It is designed to crash into targets and explode, as seen in attacks on April 16 and 17 in Israeli towns, resulting in the death of one IDF soldier and injuries to 20 others, showcasing Hezbollah's precise intelligence and the drones' effectiveness.

Hezbollah also utilises the delta-wing Shahed 136 drone, classified as a “loitering munition,” which remains in constant communication with its operator, hovering over targets until the right moment to strike. In 2023, Israel revealed evidence of an airstrip built by Iran for Hezbollah’s drone launches, though the Israeli Air Force later destroyed it. However, it is believed that multiple similar launch sites exist.

As Hezbollah has been pushed back from the Israeli border, it has shifted from using short-range anti-tank missiles to more frequent drone attacks. According to the Alma Research Center, the number of drone attacks tripled from February to March and doubled again in April. Although drones accounted for only 19% of Hezbollah’s attacks in April, they caused a disproportionately high number of Israeli casualties.

Hezbollah often combines drone launches with rocket, mortar, or anti-tank missile fire to enhance their chances of penetrating Israel's air defences. Additionally, drones are used for intelligence gathering or as decoys to test and analyse Israel's aerial defence responses.

Drone warfare has become a pivotal component of Hezbollah’s strategy against Israel. Despite intense bombardments by the Israeli Air Force, Hezbollah’s drone capabilities remain largely intact. Even if diplomatic efforts succeed in pushing Hezbollah further from the border, Israel's northern region is expected to remain under the constant threat of drone attacks for the foreseeable future.

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