Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has unveiled the LAHAT ALPHA, the latest evolution of its Laser-Homing Anti-Tank (LAHAT) missile series, developed to engage targets at ranges exceeding 20 kilometers (12 miles). The new system builds upon IAI’s legacy in precision-guided weaponry, offering enhanced lethality, flexibility, and survivability for modern battlefield operations.
The 2-meter-long (6.5-foot) missile weighs 25 kilograms (55 pounds) and carries a large, high-impact warhead capable of destroying armored vehicles, fortified positions, coastal defenses, and high-speed targets. Designed for stand-off engagements, the missile can be launched from ground vehicles or helicopters and relies on laser designation from either ground or aerial platforms. According to IAI, its laser-homing guidance system ensures pinpoint accuracy even in GPS-denied environments, addressing a critical challenge in modern warfare.
IAI emphasized that LAHAT ALPHA is user-friendly and requires less than a week of operator training, significantly reducing the logistical footprint for armed forces. The system’s combination of long range, precision, and ease of integration makes it suitable for diverse battlefield roles and platform configurations.
The introduction of LAHAT ALPHA underscores the global trend toward stand-off precision weapons that deliver tank-level lethality from safer engagement distances. Comparable systems, such as Rafael’s Spike NLOS and Lockheed Martin’s Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM), reflect the increasing demand for cost-efficient, network-enabled munitions optimized for rapid deployment and multi-platform integration.
