Almas (missile)

Almas
Type	Surface-to-surface missile Air-to-surface missile
Place of origin	Iran
Service history
In service	2021-present
Wars	Israel–Hezbollah conflict (2023–2024)
Specifications
Warhead	Tandem HEAT/thermobaric  [citation needed]
Engine	Solid-fuel rocket
Operational range	4 km (Almas-1)
Guidance system	Imaging infrared homing (IIR) & electro-optical (EO)  [citation needed]

Almas (Persian: الماس, lit. 'diamond')[1] is a family of unlicensed Iranian copies of the Israeli Spike family of surface-to-surface and air-to-surface missiles used for anti-armor attacks.[2]

Iran reportedly was transferred Israeli Spike-MR missiles that were captured during the 2006 Lebanon War by Hezbollah,[3] which were converted into an unlicensed variant of the missile that was designated the Almas-1.[2][4] The ground-launched ATGM version was unveiled in public on 7 July 2021.[4] It was shown overseas at the MILEX 2023 exhibition held in May in Belarus[5] and at the Partner 2023 exhibition held in September in Serbia.[6]

On 25 January 2024, a video was released that appeared to show Hezbollah forces using the system against an Israeli surveillance outpost[7] at Shlomi.[8] On 27 January 2024, another attack involving the Almas was reported at Rosh HaNikra.[8]

In November 2024, it was reported that Israeli troops captured Almas ATGMs alongside Kornets from Hezobollah forces during Operation Northern Arrows.[9]

In January 2025, it was reported that the Badr ATGM was developed based on the Almas.[10][11]

Exact copy of the Spike with a range of 4,000 meters and weight of 15 kg.[12]

Has a range of 8,000 meters when fired from the ground with claims of penetrating up to 1,000 mm of armor.[12]

Clone of the Spike ER with its warhead based on a two-stage high-explosive or thermobaric type.[citation needed] It has a range between 10 to 16 km.[13]

Almas-4, the newer generation of this missile, among other improvements, send clearer images of its flight back to its operators. According to CAT-UXO, a munitions awareness group, this missile can carry two types of warheads. One can detonate in two phases, making it easier to penetrate armor. The other is a fuel-air bomb that explodes into a fireball.[2] It is reportedly based on the Spike NLOS.[14]

• Hezbollah: Known to be using the Almas.[15] They claim to possess Almas-1/2/3.[8]
• Iran: Reverse engineered Spike-MR with modifications. Originally captured by Hezbollah during the 2006 Lebanon War and given to Iran.[16] Known to be used by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Ground Forces.[17]