Israel Lebanon war: How Hezbollah’s $4,000 fibre-optic drones are challenging the superior Israeli military

Hezbollah’s use of low-cost fibre-optic drones has created fresh operational challenges for Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, forcing the military to adjust its tactics against a threat that is difficult to detect and counter, reports AFP.

The Israeli military has confirmed that two soldiers and one civilian contractor were killed in explosive drone attacks within a week, with several others wounded, despite a ceasefire in place since mid-April.

The drones are described as small, inexpensive and widely accessible devices, with one researcher comparing them to “children’s toys,” as told to AFP. Orna Mizrahi, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies, said the Israeli military was not adequately prepared for such low-tech explosive systems, AFP reported.


“The military does not have nowadays any response for that, because they didn’t prepare themselves for such low-tech explosives,” she said, according to AFP.

Unlike conventional drones that rely on GPS or radio signals, these devices are connected to their operators through fibre-optic cables that can extend for dozens of kilometres. This allows operators to control them in real time using first-person view systems such as screens or virtual reality goggles.

“Since the drone does not transmit the image via radio broadcast and does not receive guidance commands via a radio receiver, it cannot be detected by electronic intelligence means or blocked through electronic warfare,” Arie Aviram said, according to AFP.

Increased use reflects shift in tactics

Hezbollah’s reliance on these drones marks a shift from its earlier use of rocket barrages following the outbreak of hostilities in early March. Analysts describe this as an example of asymmetrical warfare, with AFP citing researchers who noted the use of less advanced tools to exploit vulnerabilities in a technologically superior opponent.

The cost of assembling such drones ranges from a few hundred dollars to around $4,000, with components available through online platforms. Hezbollah media official Youssef al Zein confirmed that the group is using and manufacturing these drones in Lebanon.

“We are aware of the enemy’s superiority, but at the same time we are exploiting its weak points,” he said, according to AFP.

Cost and defence challenges for Israel

The use of relatively inexpensive drones presents a financial and operational dilemma for Israel, as intercepting them with advanced air defence systems or fighter jets is costly.

Aviram said laser-based systems such as Iron Beam could be a suitable solution “provided they were widely deployed,” according to AFP. In response to the growing threat, Israel’s defence ministry issued a public call on April 11 seeking proposals to counter fibre-optic-controlled drones.

Field adaptations and ongoing assessment

Israeli forces have begun implementing protective measures such as nets and barriers on military vehicles, with a senior military official saying these steps are being used alongside other protection methods, according to AFP.

“But it’s a threat that we’re still adapting to, there’s nothing that is foolproof,” the official said, according to AFP.

The military is also studying developments from the war in Ukraine, where similar drone technologies are widely used. The Israeli military said it has conducted detailed analysis of the threat and is working to develop operational responses, adding that troops are continuously adapting their systems.

Small arms in Hezbollah’s arsenal

Hezbollah also relies on a range of small arms for ground operations. These include the AK-47, an assault rifle of Soviet origin widely used for its reliability, typically effective up to around 300 to 400 metres in combat conditions. The M-16, a US-origin assault rifle, is used for its accuracy and lighter weight, with an effective range of roughly 500 metres.

The FN FAL, a battle rifle developed in Belgium, is used for longer-range engagements and can effectively reach targets at about 600 metres. The H&K MP5, a German-made submachine gun, is typically used in close-quarters combat with an effective range of around 100 to 200 metres.

Heavier support weapons include the PK machine gun, a Soviet-designed general-purpose machine gun used for sustained fire at ranges up to 1,000 metres. The Dragunov sniper rifle, also of Soviet origin, is employed for precision targeting at distances of about 800 metres.

Sniper capabilities are further supported by rifles such as the Steyr SSG 69, an Austrian bolt-action sniper rifle with an effective range of around 800 metres. For anti-aircraft and heavy fire roles, Hezbollah is known to use the DShK heavy machine gun, originally developed in the Soviet Union, capable of engaging targets at ranges exceeding 2,000 metres.

The M2 Browning, a US-designed heavy machine gun, is also used for long-range and anti-material roles, with an effective range of approximately 1,800 metres.

Hezbollah reinforces positions in southern Lebanon

Hezbollah has also strengthened its presence in southern Lebanon since the conflict began on March 2, Youssef al Zein said during an interview with journalists including AFP.

He said the group was able to “introduce forces and arms in the course of the battle” with Israel without using roads controlled by the Lebanese army, according to AFP.

“We are convinced that the army is a national army” that “will not enter into a confrontation with Hezbollah,” he said, according to AFP.

The Lebanese army had earlier stated that it completed disarming Hezbollah near the Israeli border in January under a plan linked to a 2024 ceasefire agreement. The most recent conflict was halted by a ceasefire on April 17.

Zein said Hezbollah was able to “reconstitute its forces” after the previous war and remains “prepared for a long battle,” according to AFP. He added that Israeli advances into Lebanese territory were facilitated by Hezbollah’s earlier disarmament south of the Litani river and the destruction of its infrastructure in that area.