Israeli drones strike Hezbollah positions in Southern Lebanon.

On October 8, 2023, the situation between Israel and Hezbollah intensified after a sequence of events, which Hezbollah stated were carried out "in solidarity" with the Palestinian people. This has led to increased worries about the possibility of a wider regional conflict. The Israeli armed forces verified that they deployed a drone to launch a missile strike on the al-Khraibeh region, located on the outskirts of Rashaya al-Fukhar in Lebanon. This Israeli military action was in response to an earlier incident where a drone from Lebanon had entered Israeli airspace and was subsequently intercepted by Israel's Patriot air defense system.
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Israeli armed forces used an armed drone to launch a missile strike on the al-Khraibeh region, located on the outskirts of Rashaya al-Fukhar in Lebanon (Picture source: Israel Aerospace Industries)

Earlier in the day, Hezbollah launched an attack on the occupied Shebaa Farms, prompting Israeli retaliatory fire. Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed armed group, stated that it had launched guided rockets and fired artillery rounds onto three posts in Shebaa Farms "in solidarity" with the Palestinian people. The area, claimed by Lebanon, has been under Israeli control since the 1967 Six-Day War.

The Israeli military said it fired artillery into an area of Lebanon from where cross-border mortar fire had been launched. The military also stated that one of its drones struck a Hezbollah post in the area of Har Dov, another part of Shebaa Farms. Israel's forces announced they are "prepared for all scenarios" and will continue to protect the security of Israeli residents.

This exchange of fire comes a day after an unprecedented surprise attack on southern Israel by Hamas, which resulted in at least 800 Israeli casualties. The Israeli military was on high alert throughout Sunday and said it fired artillery into an area of Lebanon where cross-border fire was launched. Army units have been deployed along the southern border, according to a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The drone used in the Israeli operation could be identified as the Heron TP MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance), also known as Eitan in Israel. This Israel Aerospace Industries unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is designed for a variety of strategic missions and has an extended performance envelope. It can operate at altitudes above commercial air traffic and features all-weather capability, de-icing systems, and automatic takeoff and landing systems. The Heron TP can loiter for 36 hours carrying a 1,000 kg sensor package and is equipped with a variety of payloads including Electro-Optical sensors, Synthetic Aperture Radar, and Electronic Intelligence capabilities.

The UAV is powered by a turboprop engine that develops 1,200 hp, enabling it to carry a maximum payload while operating at high altitudes. The drone is equipped with advanced systems such as all-weather capability, de-icing systems, and automatic takeoff and landing (ATOL) systems. It also features triple-redundant avionics, ensuring a high level of reliability during missions.

One of the Heron TP's most notable features is its impressive endurance. The drone can loiter for up to 36 hours, carrying a 1,000 kg sensor package in its spacious payload compartment. This makes it ideal for long-duration surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

The Heron TP is capable of carrying a variety of munitions and payloads, including Electro-Optical (IR/TV) sensors, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Electronic Intelligence (ELINT), and Communications Intelligence (COMINT). It can also be equipped with a Multi-Purpose Radar for additional versatility. The drone's large internal volume allows for the simultaneous and flexible operation of multiple payloads, making it a multi-mission platform.

The Heron TP has seen various deployments, including an alleged 2009 airstrike against a Gaza-bound Iranian arms convoy traveling through Sudan. Its variety of sensors can operate simultaneously in multiple configurations, making it suitable for all weather conditions. The drone features automatic takeoff and landing systems for maximum safety, retractable landing gear, and triple fully redundant avionics, ensuring safe, reliable, and easy operation.