HOT has been deployed in a number of conflicts: in Iran/Iraq, Lebanon, former Spanish Sahara and in Operation Desert Storm. The HOT 3 missile, with tandem charge warhead and CCD localiser has been in production since 1998.

HOT is a tube-launched, wire-guided missile with semi-automatic command-to-line-of-sight (SACLOS) guidance. An infrared localiser measures the angular deviation between the missile and the line-of-sight. The HOT 3 system has a new bispectral CCD localiser, operating at 1 and 10 micron wavelengths, that eliminates infrared jamming. The thermal imager is used in parallel for missile guidance. HOT 3 has a 6.5 kg tandem charge warhead which is effective against explosive reactive armour (ERA), penetrating up to 1300 mm. When the missile reaches the target, the forward charge is ejected, which explodes detonating the ERA. After a delay, the main charge then explodes. HOT 3 is fitted with a new laser proximity fuse. The system is capable of an engagement rate of up to three targets in one minute. Range of the missile is from 75 to 4000 m with a flight time of 17.3 seconds at 4000 m. The missile is automatically slaved at about 0.5 m above the line-of-sight to avoid obstacles.

The HOT ATM (Anti-Tank Modular) system, developed in 1997, is a multi-role system for observation and reconnaissance as well as being a weapon system. The ATM consists of three modules: a stabilised, elevated, sensor platform; control system inside the vehicle; and turret with the HOT missiles and cannon or machine gun. The sensor platform is mast-mounted and retractable when not required in the reconnaissance role. Sensors include a Thales (formerlyThomson-CSF) Optrosys Castor infrared camera, day TV camera, CILAS laser rangefinder and 1 micron infrared localiser. The system performs target detection up to 7000 m, identification and aiming. The HOT ATM turret is equipped with either two or four HOT 3 missiles and can also be armed with 30 mm or 20 mm cannon or 12.7 mm machine gun.

The ATM has been trialled on the Rheinmetall Landsystemes Wiesel and Steyr-Daimler-Puch Pandur armoured vehicles. At firing trials in July 1999, Hot ATM successfully hit targets, including a stationary main battle tank, a simulated helicopter and a concrete bunker, with HOT 3 missiles, using both the infrared and TV sights.

The HOT UTM 800 turret is mounted on armoured vehicles such as Panhard VCR and GIAT VAB and has four HOT missiles and the Castor thermal imaging sight. It is in service with Qatar, Cyprus and Iraq. The HOT Mephisto turret is in service with the French Army, mounted on VAB armoured personnel carriers. It is armed with four missiles with eight in reserve. French Army systems are fitted with the Thales Mephira thermal sight and 1 micron localiser. The HOT Lancelot turret is mounted on the Jaguar in service with German Army, and on the Mowag Piranha and AMX-10 vehicles with the Saudi Arabian National Guard.

HOT 3 has been selected by the French and German Armies to be fitted to the Tiger helicopter. It has also been qualified on the South African Rooivalk and is being integrated on the Polish Sokol helicopter. Thales Optrosys provide the HOT/Viviane day/night sight. The roof-mounted Viviane includes day sight, infrared camera, laser rangefinder and CCD localiser. The stabilised sight and the slaving of the missile launcher in elevation permit firing from hover or in translation at speeds up to 150 km/hr and evasive manoeuvres at rates up to 6 deg/sec after missile launch. Range of the missile when helicopter-launched is 4300 m.