Iran’s Kheibar Shekan ballistic missile has come under renewed international scrutiny following its reported use during the ongoing regional conflict involving the United States, with analysts highlighting its mobility, manoeuvrability and comparatively low production cost.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the missile has become one of Iran’s most closely watched weapons systems amid recent military exchanges in the Middle East.
Introduced into the arsenal of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in 2022, the Kheibar Shekan is a solid-fuel ballistic missile designed for rapid deployment. Unlike liquid-fuel missiles, it can be prepared in advance and launched from mobile platforms, allowing operators to relocate quickly after firing.
Designed for mobility and survivability
Military analysts said the missile is designed to manoeuvre during the terminal phase of its flight, making it more difficult for missile defence systems to intercept.
Reports also indicate that one of the missile’s key advantages is its comparatively low production cost when measured against the significantly higher cost of interceptor missiles used by the United States and its allies. This could increase the economic burden of maintaining prolonged missile defence operations.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Iran’s missile development programme has benefited from years of research by Iranian scientists and engineers, who have studied modern warfare and missile defence technologies to improve the performance of domestically produced weapons.
Unveiled in 2022
Iran publicly unveiled the Kheibar Shekan in 2022. Iranian officials said the missile is capable of carrying different types of warheads, although they have not disclosed its production cost or detailed technical specifications.
The missile’s name is derived from the historic Battle of Khaybar in 628 CE. Iranian authorities said the name carries historical symbolism rather than reflecting any technical characteristics of the weapon.
The Kheibar Shekan has previously been reported by Iranian media to have been used in military operations involving Israel. However, independent verification of battlefield claims made by parties involved in the conflict remains difficult.
