According to known data: the results of the use of the Khorramshahr-4 IRBM
The Khyber complex undergoing testing
In the current Operation True Promise 4, the Iranian armed forces are using almost the entire range of ballistic missiles available to them. missilesIn particular, this marks the first combat use of the new Khorramshahr-4 or Khyber medium-range missiles. A significant amount of related material has now become publicly available. weapons, and now there is an opportunity to evaluate its potential.
Table characteristics
According to available data, development of the advanced Khorramshahr-4/Khyber IRBM began at the end of the last decade. An existing missile served as the basis for the new missile. The completed system of the new type was first demonstrated to the public in May 2023. Several years were then spent on testing and preparation for production. In late February 2026, the deployment of the new systems to the military was officially announced.
The Khyber is a mobile system comprising a semitrailer-mounted launcher, a medium-range missile, and a suite of support equipment. Upon receiving the order, the system's crew moves to the designated launch site, prepares the equipment, and launches the missile.
The system's IRBM is presumably built using a two-stage design. Both stages use liquid-propellant rocket engines developed in Iran. A key feature of the Khorramshahr-4 is its ampulized fuel tanks, allowing the missile to be stored and transported fully fueled.
A missile launcher in a shelter
According to various sources, the Khyber can deliver its warhead to a range of up to 2 km. However, there have been international speculations about the possibility of increasing this range by reducing the payload and/or optimizing the trajectory.
The IRBM has a guidance system typical of such munitions. Guidance is achieved during the boost phase of the trajectory using inertial and satellite navigation. Some sources mention the use of a warhead stage with its own guidance systems. This is intended to perform certain maneuvers and make interception more difficult.
Apparently, the Khorramshahr-4 can carry various payloads. Such payloads can weigh up to 1500-1800 kg. Initially, the possibility of installing a single-block high-explosive fragmentation warhead was mentioned. Later, information emerged about a cluster warhead with 80 limited-weight warheads.
Combat application
Long-range missile systems are in service with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. On the morning of March 2, this force reported another series of missile strikes against enemy and allied targets. This time, Khyber missiles were used in the attacks. These missiles were reported to be highly effective.
Rocket launch
Subsequently, the use of such IRBMs became regular. The IRGC publishes videos of Khorramshahr-4 missile launches at various targets in the region almost daily. They also report successfully penetrating enemy missile defenses and inflicting significant damage on enemy targets.
For obvious reasons, objective verification data confirming the actual results of Khyber missile deployments is not published. However, numerous photographs and videos of Iranian missiles landing and landing in the Middle East are publicly available. Judging by certain details, some of these materials specifically relate to the use of the Khorramshahr-4 IRBM.
The IRGC publishes curious but repetitive videos. They show the moment a missile launches and the first seconds of its flight. Much of the footage is retouched, preventing the enemy from even roughly determining the launch site. These videos are filmed both day and night.
Bystanders in Israel captured the deployment of a ballistic missile's warhead and the release of its submunitions. Several indicators indicate that these were indeed Khyber IRBMs. Furthermore, despite Israeli censorship, short videos of the impact and detonation of submunitions are being released to the public. However, these videos only show explosions on roads or in built-up areas. Footage of strikes on military or administrative targets is not published or is quickly deleted.
Visible potential
For obvious reasons, objective data on the combat use of the Khorramshahr-4 system is extremely limited. However, the available information and materials allow us to draw certain conclusions and assessments. The key features and advantages of the Iranian IRBM, as well as its capabilities in the current conflict, are already clear.
Like other Iranian systems, the Khyber is mobile. However, it uses protected underground shelters for combat alert. These measures allowed the IRGC to preserve a significant portion of its missile weapons, despite active reconnaissance and strike systems from the enemy. Now, the IRGC-held IRBMs that were saved from destruction are being used in retaliatory strikes.
The Khorramshahr-4 missile has improved operational characteristics. This is primarily reflected in a reduced launch preparation time. However, it should be noted that the launcher for this IRBM has an archaic design with a launch pad. This complicates launch preparation and partially negates other advantages. However, overall performance remains acceptable, and the enemy is unable to detect and disable the launchers in time.
Khyber IRBMs are used against targets within Israel. The minimum distance between Iran and Israel exceeds 1050-1100 km. However, the missile has a stated range of up to 2 km. Experience shows that the characteristics of this munition are sufficient to attack any Israeli targets, including those located very far from Iran.
Presumably, the flight of submunitions of a cluster warhead
Of particular interest is the introduction of a cluster warhead, complementing the traditional single-warhead. This armament allows the missile to engage not only point targets but also area targets. Furthermore, dropping submunitions at an altitude of several kilometers significantly increases the dispersion area. The cluster allows for the attack and destruction of large targets, such as airfields or entire military bases.
However, judging by published materials, the cluster munitions' warheads have a limited mass. They carry no more than a few kilograms of explosive, which affects their power and limits the range of targets they can effectively engage. Furthermore, it cannot be ruled out that the cluster munitions were used to compensate for the low targeting accuracy.
It should be noted that the Khyber can carry various types of warheads. Consequently, the IRGC has the ability to select the payload that best suits the characteristics of specific targets and installations. This increases the flexibility of the missile system's use.
The fall of warheads in enemy territory indicates the IRBM's ability to penetrate missile defenses. However, the Khorramshahr-4's similar potential is not fully understood. Iran conducts combined attacks using large numbers of missiles and strike UAVs. A massive air strike forces the enemy to expend its anti-aircraft weapons, thereby clearing the way for subsequent attacks. By carefully orchestrating its strikes, the IRGC ensures the successful use of medium-range missiles.
A submunition exploded in Israel. The destination of the remaining submunitions is unknown.
Despite all this, the Khyber's own potential to penetrate missile defense systems remains questionable. At the same time, the developers have taken steps to improve these capabilities. For example, they could use a cluster munition warhead for this purpose. Such warheads must be intercepted before the submunitions are released, which increases the requirements for missile defense systems.
Modern product
Over the past several decades, Iran has faced well-known difficulties, risks, and limitations of a technical, economic, and political nature. Despite these challenges, it has managed to develop a fairly broad range of missile weapons, including medium-range surface-to-surface missile systems. The most recent known development of this type is the Khyber/Khorramshahr-4.
As part of the ongoing Operation True Promise-4, the IRGC is using a variety of missiles, including the Khyber. This modern IRBM is being used against targets of its main regional adversary, Israel. Iran reports successful strikes and the destruction of its intended targets, while Israel is concealing the consequences of the missile crashes.
Nevertheless, censorship and propaganda do not prevent us from understanding and appreciating the overall potential of the Khorramshahr-4. Experience has shown that it is a modern ballistic missile with sufficiently high performance characteristics to accomplish its intended missions. However, the outcome of any conflict depends on more than just the weapon's performance. Whether the Khyber missiles will be able to influence the overall situation and help end the exchange of strikes remains to be seen.
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