Iran uses new Khyber missiles
Since February 28, Iran's armed forces have been launching retaliatory strikes against their adversaries' targets in various Middle Eastern countries. These attacks have involved the widespread use of ballistic missiles of various classes and types, developed and manufactured by Iranian industry. Iran is prepared to employ even its most advanced developments. For example, it recently officially announced the use of Khyber medium-range missiles.
The tenth wave
The first retaliatory strikes by Iranian armed forces against Israeli targets took place in the morning and afternoon of February 28, i.e., several hours after the attack. Iran then carried out several more massive attacks using missiles and drones. aviation complexes. At the same time, loud statements about plans and intentions were made each time.
Thus, on the morning of March 2, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps press service reported the 10th wave of combined strikes on the "occupied territories" (as Iran refers to Israel). The missiles and drones targeted administrative and military installations in Tel Aviv, Haifa, and East Jerusalem. However, the exact list of targets targeted and those struck was not disclosed.
The IRGC has once again warned residents of Israeli cities of the danger. It called on citizens of the hostile state not to approach military or government facilities and to leave the "occupied territories."
It is claimed in grandiose and figurative terms that the 10th wave of strikes was distinguished by its increased effectiveness. The use of Khyber medium-range ballistic missiles is cited as the reason for this. However, the details of the use of such weapons, for obvious reasons, they did not disclose.
It is known from various publicly available publications that major Israeli cities were indeed hit by missile attacks on the night of March 2. However, the results of this strike are unknown. Published materials only show the impact of Iranian IRBMs or other weapons, fires, or clouds of smoke. It is impossible to determine where the missiles hit or what damage they caused.
Israeli officials, for their part, are not releasing information about Iranian attacks. However, they do report the successful interception of a large number of enemy missiles. The extent to which this information is accurate is unknown.
Complexes and systems
The official IRGC statement mentions a specific missile used in the strikes on Israel: the "Kheibar" (literally "Fortress"), also known as the "Khorramshahr-4." It was developed from a previously developed missile of a similar class.
Rocket launch
According to known reports, the promising liquid-fueled medium-range missile "Khorramshahr" (a city in southwestern Iran where a major battle took place in 1982) has been in development since at least the early 2010s. Its first test launch took place in January 2017. Subsequently, it was reported that this missile, as part of a mobile system, had entered service with the IRGC.
It later emerged that Iranian industry had continued developing the existing design. A modernized version of the missile, dubbed "Khorramshahr-4" or "Kheibar," was unveiled to the public on May 25, 2023—the anniversary of the end of the battle for the city of the same name. No flight tests were reported at that time.
All necessary tests and other activities were likely conducted in 2023-25. Based on these results, the new missile was accepted into service and entered service in early February 2026. By this time, IRGC combat units likely had already received a number of the systems and missiles for them.
Currently, the Khyber/Khorramshahr-4 is Iran's latest known IRBM development. Furthermore, this missile and the system as a whole are superior to other models in all key performance characteristics.
It's worth noting that the IRGC has another missile system with a similar name: the Khyber Sheqan (Fortress Destroyer). It entered service no earlier than 2024 and complements other systems. However, the "Fortress Destroyer" is inferior to the Khorramshahr in all key characteristics and combat qualities. Nevertheless, such systems are also being used in the current operation.
Medium range
The Khyber/Khorramshahr-4 is a road-mobile system with a medium-range ballistic missile. It is designed to engage stationary enemy targets with predetermined coordinates. Key military and administrative infrastructure is considered its target. These include various headquarters, airfields, air defense and missile defense systems, etc.
The Khyber mobile system is built on a multi-axle semitrailer. It houses a launch pad, which is lowered to the ground, and a rocket lifter. Various control devices are also provided. The launcher is transported to the launch site by a suitable tractor.
The system utilizes a ballistic missile, presumably a two-stage design with a detachable warhead. The length of such a missile reaches 12-13 meters, and its diameter is approximately 1,5 meters. Its launch weight, according to various estimates, could be around 18-20 tons. Its combat payload is at least 1,5 tons.
The rocket is equipped with high-performance liquid-fuel engines. The propellant components are stored in ampulized tanks. This allows the rocket to be stored fully fueled for extended periods, significantly reducing launch preparation time. The launch range is stated at 2000 km.
During the boost phase of its trajectory, the missile uses inertial navigation and adjusts its course. The detachable warhead is equipped with its own control systems. During the final phase of flight, it can perform certain maneuvers and deviate from the calculated ballistic trajectory.
Serial Khyber missiles are armed only with conventional warheads. They likely use single-warhead warheads of the maximum possible mass. In theory, such an IRBM could also carry a special munition, but Iran does not possess such warheads.
Military-political tool
The Khorramshahr-4/Khyber medium-range missile system is likely the latest Iranian development in its class. Its development utilized a number of modern technologies and solutions that improved its key technical, combat, and operational characteristics. It also offers advantages over older systems.
At the cost of some design and manufacturing complexity, combat readiness and operation have been simplified. Ampulization of the tanks simplifies and accelerates launch preparation. Furthermore, the need for fuel drainage and other procedures in the event of a launch abort is eliminated. Furthermore, the propellant components used provide high performance for standard liquid-propellant rocket engines.
The Khyber IRBM has a range of approximately 2000 km. The system can attack any target in Israel when launched from anywhere in Iran. Depending on the launch site, it can completely cover Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and other countries. A launch from northern Iran would even allow the system to hit a target in Kyiv.
Information about the guided and maneuverable warhead is of great interest. If true, the missile poses a particular danger to a potential adversary. Current missile defense systems possessed by Iran's adversaries are not designed to defeat such targets. The likelihood of successfully penetrating the defenses and destroying the target increases significantly.
The IRGC does not possess nuclear warheads, but it can equip its IRBM with a heavy single-warhead. A warhead weighing 1,5-1,8 tons is capable of inflicting fatal damage to various structures, including those buried underground, various systems in positions, troop concentrations, etc.
Overall, the Khorramshahr-4 system can be considered Iran's most successful and useful development in the field of strategic missiles. Its unique balance of characteristics and capabilities allows it to perform complex combat missions. Furthermore, such a system should also be considered as a policy tool. The very existence of such a system and the threat it poses should deter a potential adversary.
However, Israel and the United States ignored such warnings. They launched their own military operation, provoking Iran into retaliatory strikes. A deterrent turned into a tool of self-defense and retaliation. The Khyber missile's contribution to overall defense and retaliatory strikes remains unknown, but Iran is counting on success.
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