Following Israeli airstrikes in Najariyah village, wreckage of the advanced Sayyad-2C surface-to-air missile (SAM) was discovered, confirming rumors of Hezbollah’s possession of sophisticated air defence systems provided by Iran. After the strike, only wreckage of missile was spotted in publically available videos thus the type of launcher/TEL supplied to Hezbollah is still unknown as Sayyad-2 missile family can be used by several different Iranian air defence systems.

Sayyad-2C is an upgraded version of Sayyad-2 which itself is based on American RIM-66/SM-1 missile. The Sayyad-2C version has a maximum speed of Mach 4.5+ and a range of 75km for aerial targets, while some sources assert its range to be as extensive as 120km. The Sayyad-2 missile is compatible with Transporter Erector Launchers (TELs) utilized by various Iranian air defense systems, including Raad, Tabas, 3rd Khordad, Talash, Khordad-15, and Shahid Arman.

The presence of the Sayyad-2 missile system can significantly affect Israeli air operations over Lebanon. Previously, Hezbollah’s air defense capabilities were primarily limited to MANPADS (Man-Portable Air Defense Systems) and anti-aircraft artillery. However, the introduction of the Sayyad-2C adds a substantial layer of defense, capable of targeting aerial threats flying at higher altitude with greater precision and range.

Before the arrival of the Sayyad-2, Hezbollah’s air defense coverage relied on MANPADS and anti-aircraft artillery, supplemented by disputed claims of the transfer of various Soviet or Russian short and medium-range air defense systems.

With the Sayyad-2 in its arsenal, Hezbollah now possesses a more advanced and potent defense capability. Its ability to engage aerial targets at longer ranges and higher altitudes presents a significant challenge to Israeli air operations in Lebanese airspace. This development prompts Israeli planners to reconsider their aerial strategies and potentially adjust their tactics to counter Hezbollah’s air defense capabilities.