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What is the HOT missile system?

The HOT missile is a powerful rocket built to travel long distances to destroy enemy tanks. It was made to fly through the air and hit targets with great force. It could take out the strongest armored vehicles on the battlefield.

What is the main role of this weapon?

Its main job is called anti-armor defense. This means the weapon is used to stop or destroy heavy battle tanks and other tough vehicles. By using these missiles, a military can keep enemy armor away from their own positions.

How did Qatar use these missiles in war?

During the Gulf War in 1991, Qatar mounted these launchers onto their own armored vehicles and helicopters. This allowed them to protect their border near Saudi Arabia. They used the missiles to defeat enemy tanks and blow up strong concrete bunkers.

How does the missile reach its target?

This missile uses a very thin wire to stay on track. As the rocket flies through the air, the wire unspools from the back of the missile to the launcher. The launcher sends electric signals through this wire to steer the missile exactly where it needs to go.

What is the historical legacy of the HOT missile?

France and West Germany worked together to create this system in 1978. They built it to help protect countries during the Cold War. It became a famous tool for stopping large groups of enemy tanks from moving forward.

Home Library QatarHOT Missile System

Anti-Tank Guided Missile

HOT Missile System

A long-range wire-guided rocket designed to destroy heavily armored enemy battle tanks.

Qatar Introduced 1978 EuromissileRole: Anti-armor defense

Specifications

Range

2.5 miles

Speed

536 mph

Weight

52 pounds

Guidance

Wire-guided optical tracking

History

The HOT missile was developed jointly by France and West Germany to counter waves of heavy armor during the Cold War. It flew to its target guided by commands sent through an unspooling wire.

Qatar mounted HOT launchers on armored vehicles and helicopters. During the Gulf War, these weapons provided long-range anti-armor defense to beat back armored thrusts and fortified bunkers around the Saudi border.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Cold War Gulf War

Combat Medals & Awards

Service medal

Armed Forces Golden Jubilee Medal

2021

Celebrates fifty years of history, service, and growth of the Qatar Armed Forces from 1971 to 2021.

Campaign medal

Battle of Khafji Commemorative Medal

1991

Commemorates the service of Qatari troops who engaged enemy armored units at Khafji in 1991.

Campaign medal

Kuwait Liberation Medal (Qatar)

1991

Awarded to Qatari troops who took part in liberating Kuwait during the 1991 Persian Gulf War.

Distinguished service decoration

Medal for Outstanding Service

1978

This medal is presented to service members who carry out remarkable leadership, duty, and support for the nation.

Merit decoration

Medal of Military Cooperation

1992

This decoration is granted for strengthening defense partnerships between Qatar and allied armed forces.

Valor decoration

Medal of Military Courage

1992

Presented to soldiers who display exceptional bravery while confronting armed hostiles during military missions.

Merit decoration

Military Duty Medal

1992

A medal created to reward soldiers who carry out challenging operational tasks with fidelity and hard work.

Service medal

Military Long Service and Good Conduct Medal

1992

Awarded to loyal service members who dedicate many years of honorable, well-behaved service to the military.

Sources

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