Iran Donates $129 Million in Weapons to Hezbollah in 2024

Hezbollah received approximately $157 million in armaments during 2024, with Iran providing the majority of these supplies free of charge, according to a new study by the Israeli research center CENTEF (Center for the Study of Financial Terrorism). The report, published on October 1, is the first in a series examining the Lebanese militant group's expenditures. Researchers estimate that Iran supplied Hezbollah with weapons and military equipment valued at around $129 million as gratuitous aid, while the group spent an additional $28 million on purchases using its own funds. The study, which analyzed open-source information, assessed the cost of various weapons including rockets, drones, anti-tank systems, air defense systems, ammunition, launchers, naval equipment, and components for explosive devices. Due to the clandestine nature of Hezbollah's procurement, researchers employed three methods: comparing historical arsenal growth rates, evaluating Iran's production and delivery capabilities, and using global estimates for equipping and mobilizing armed formations. CENTEF noted that Hezbollah's rocket arsenal grew from approximately 15,000 in 2006 to about 150,000 by 2024. However, due to supply and production disruptions during 2024 combat operations, the study estimates annual acquisitions at 4,500 to 6,500 rockets and missile systems. The group also reportedly received around 300 Mirsad and Ababil drones, 200 loitering munitions, and 400 commercial and FPV drones. In terms of less expensive weaponry, CENTEF estimates Hezbollah acquired approximately 5,000 rifles, 900 heavy machine guns, 80 mortars, 15,000 mortar rounds, and 8 million rounds of ammunition in 2024, along with about 2,000 explosive devices. The research also touched upon the group's media spending, estimating $26 million to $28 million for 2024, with the Al-Manar television channel accounting for $16.5-17.2 million. CENTEF believes that analyzing these expenditures provides insight into Hezbollah's financial capabilities and its dependence on support from the Iranian regime.