IAI doubles range of LAHAT missile

A LAHAT Alpha is launched during a test. (Israel Aerospace Industries)

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) unveiled the new Alpha version of its Laser-Homing Anti-Tank (LAHAT) missile on 21 October, saying it has a range of up to 20 km, double what it lists for the standard version.

LAHAT was originally a laser-guided anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) that could be launched from 105 mm rifled tank guns and was then developed into a version launched from a disposable tube that can be carried by air, sea, or land platforms. IAI says this is 1 m long, weighs 13 kg, and has a range of 10 km.

In contrast, IAI says LAHAT Alpha is 2 m long, weighs 25 kg, has a range of 20 km, and is available with large anti-tank or fragmentation warheads.

The company said LAHAT Alpha addresses market demand for a low-cost precision weapon that can be launched from beyond line of sight (BLOS) and home in on its target using an airborne or ground-based laser designator without relying on satellite navigation signals that can be jammed.

“LAHAT Alpha was developed to meet our customers' requirements, adding range and lethality to a highly effective, proven missile, meeting the global demand for powerful and competitively priced missiles,” the company quoted Guy Barlev, the general manager of its Systems, Missiles and Space Group, as saying.

Azerbaijan appears to be the only confirmed export customer for LAHAT, with quad launchers – but no missiles – seen on one of its air force's Mi-17 helicopters in television coverage in 2016.