Iranian Khyber Shekan medium-range ballistic missiles. Show of force
The Khyber Shekan complex as part of the parade squad, September 2022. Photo Fars News
The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has a wide range of missile weapons of different classes. One of the last to be adopted by its aerospace forces was the Khyber Shekan medium-range ballistic missile. Previously, such products were demonstrated at parades, but now they are used for real purposes on foreign territory. These events not only showed the potential of the IRGC ACS and their weapons, but should also affect the military-political situation in the Middle East region.
Combat application
On the night of January 15, the IRGC ACS carried out several massive strikes against a number of targets in Iraq and Syria. The purpose of these activities was the destruction of camps and other facilities belonging to terrorist organizations or associated with Iran's potential enemies - Israel and the United States. The series of strikes was described as a response to terrorist attacks that have taken place in recent weeks.
According to the IRGC, the retaliatory strikes used ballistic missiles and several types of kamikaze unmanned aerial vehicles. The maximum missile launch range during the operation exceeded 1200 km. It is alleged that all missiles and UAVs successfully hit the intended targets and completed the assigned tasks.
Several types of weapons were used in the series of strikes, but the Khyber Shekan medium-range ballistic missile is of greatest interest. Products of this type were used for the first time by the IRGC ACS outside the training ground and to solve a real combat mission. A total of four such MRBMs were used, and it was they that ensured the destruction of the most distant objects. Long-range missiles were launched from the territory of the province. Khuzestan in southwest Iran.
"Khyber Shekan" (foreground) at the exhibition of modern weapons, 2022. Photo Fars News
It is assumed that the targets for Iranian MRBMs were buildings in the area of the Syrian city of Idlib, used by militants of one of the terrorist organizations. Photos of the site after the impact have already been published, and they show significant damage. The building is almost completely destroyed; the militants inside hardly had a chance to survive or remain in service.
Thus, a few days ago, the Iranian armed forces, represented by the IRGC, again clearly demonstrated the potential of their missile weapons и drones. At the same time, they did not refuse the opportunity to demonstrate the latest development in the field of ballistic missiles. In essence, the IRGC AKS solved at least two problems: they took revenge on the terrorists for the recent attack, and also sent an unambiguous signal to unfriendly countries in the region.
"Destroyer of Fortresses"
The Khyber Shekan MRBM is one of Iran's latest developments in the field of missile weapons. As follows from the available data, this complex was created at the turn of the last decades by structures associated with the IRGC. The finished product was first shown at an open event in February 2022. Subsequently, missiles of this type were used as part of exercises, and now they have reached real combat use.
The name of the missile literally translates as “Fortress Destroyer,” and traditionally for Iranian systems there is a reference that is understandable to experts in Islam. The designation BRSD alludes to the oasis and fortress of Khyber (Khaybar) near Medina, where in the 628th century. Jewish tribes lived. In 629-XNUMX. AD The army of the Prophet Muhammad, against the backdrop of a difficult political situation, expelled the Jews and occupied this area. The allusion to modern confrontation between states is quite clear.
View from a different angle. Photo by Fars News
The Khyber Shekan complex is generally similar to other Iranian missile developments. It is believed that this is due to the continuity of projects - the new MRBM is actually a further development of the Fateh line. The complex is mobile and capable of quickly changing positions and preparing for launch. All means of the complex, including a self-propelled launcher with one missile, are made on a multi-axle automobile chassis.
The complex uses a solid-fuel ballistic missile. This product has a length of 10,5 m with a body diameter of 800 mm and a starting weight of approx. 4,5 tons. On the outer surface of the body there are rudders and stabilizers without a folding mechanism. The rocket is believed to be a two-stage rocket. The launch is carried out from an inclined guide of the launcher.
The Khyber Shekan missile, according to known data, has several interesting features. Thus, the body of the product is made entirely of composite material, which gives a gain in weight and strength. A modern solid fuel engine with high energy performance is used, allowing for an increased range. This parameter reaches 1400-1450 km, which is why the missile is classified as a medium-range system. A warhead weighing 500 kg is delivered to the target.
According to available data, the Iranian MRBM is equipped with advanced guidance and control systems. It is assumed that there is the possibility of maneuvering on the final part of the trajectory and more accurate targeting of a small target. According to foreign estimates, the rocket is capable of complex maneuvers and can also reduce the descent speed, thereby reducing thermal loads on the structure and reducing the requirements for its strength.
The missile system is in combat position. Photo by Iranian Ministry of Defense
During the exercise and in the recent strike, Khyber Shekan products with high-explosive fragmentation warheads weighing 500 kg were used. Whether the missile can receive other combat equipment is unknown. At the same time, concerns are being expressed abroad about the possibility of equipping the new MRBM with a compact nuclear charge, which would radically increase the combat potential of the complex.
Armament and politics
In order to ensure national security and deter potential adversaries, Iran is actively developing and producing missile weapons of various classes. Particular attention is paid to ballistic missiles designed to deliver a first or retaliatory strike against distant targets. A number of short- and medium-range systems have already been created in this area, and work is also underway on the first intercontinental models.
One of the latest developments of this kind was the Khyber Shekan MRBM, which has already been brought to operation and combat use. It has a number of important features and advantages over other missile technology, due to which it should occupy an important place in the IRGC ACS weapons system. Also, the missile is already showing itself to be a useful military-political tool.
In terms of basic tactical and technical characteristics, the Khyber Shekan product is at least not inferior to other Iranian MRBMs. At the same time, it has clear advantages over some older missiles. Thus, the Fortress Destroyer is smaller and lighter than them, but delivers a similar load at the same range.
The result of a strike on a target near Idlib. Photo: Thedrive.com
Of great interest is the available information about guidance and control systems, as well as the combat capabilities they provide. It is assumed that the missile's combat stage can maneuver and make it difficult to intercept by air defense systems not designed for such targets. In addition, an increase in accuracy has been achieved, allowing full use of the potential of the 500-kg warhead.
However, the greatest interest in the Khyber Shekan complex is the maximum firing range. This missile, like a number of other Iranian models, can fly 1400-1450 km. Depending on the launch point, such an IRBM can fly to any point in the Middle East and nearby regions. In addition, the territory of Israel, Iran’s main enemy, is completely blocked.
It is not difficult to understand the political significance of "The Destroyer of the Fortress." Such an IRBM, combining high range, accuracy and power, should become an effective means of deterring potential adversaries in the region. Both alone and together with other modern weapons, the Khyber Shekan complexes should indicate Iran's fundamental ability to launch a first strike or respond to foreign aggression. At the same time, it is almost impossible to prevent the use of such systems, and repelling an attack is, at a minimum, difficult.
A show of force
Due to the specific military and political situation in the region, Iran is forced to pay special attention to issues of security and strategic deterrence of potential adversaries. For this purpose, various missile systems of all main classes are being actively developed. At various public events, new developments of this kind are demonstrated with enviable regularity, designed to ensure national security. Since 2022, the Khyber Shekan missile system has become another new product demonstrating the capabilities of the IRGC ACS.
It should be noted that Iran is not limited to just displaying new weapons. If necessary, they are used for real purposes in neighboring countries. At the same time, specific combat missions are solved and necessary targets are hit, and third parties receive a signal that the Iranian armed forces are ready for real action. If they listen to such “messages”, then the situation in the region will not worsen, which will be beneficial to all parties.
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