Kheibarshekan ballistic missile
The Kheibarshekan is a third-generation, solid-fuel long-range ballistic missile operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Unveiled by Iran as a high-precision strategic weapon, it is designed to strike targets at distances of up to 1,450 kilometers, placing all of Israel within its operational reach.
The Kheibarshekan (meaning 'Castle Buster' or 'Cracker of Kheibar,' a reference to a historical battle between early Muslims and Jewish tribes) represents a significant evolution in the Iranian regime's ballistic arsenal. Developed by the IRGC Aerospace Force, the missile was first introduced in early 2022 as part of Iran's effort to enhance its 'deterrence' against Israel. Unlike older liquid-fueled models, the Kheibarshekan utilizes solid propellant, which significantly reduces launch preparation time and increases its mobility, making it harder for intelligence services to detect and pre-empt. According to Iranian technical specifications, the missile is approximately 10 meters long and weighs 4,500 kg. Its reported range of 1,450 km is specifically calibrated to reach Israeli territory from launch sites in western Iran. The IRGC claims the missile features high maneuverability during its terminal phase, intended to evade sophisticated air defense systems like Israel's Arrow and David's Sling. In June 2026, Iranian state media reported the use of Kheibarshekan missiles in direct strikes targeting the Ramat David Airbase in northern Israel, marking a transition from the missile's role as a deterrent to an active tool of direct kinetic confrontation. While the IRGC emphasizes its precision, the actual combat effectiveness and accuracy of the system remain subjects of intense scrutiny by Israeli and Western defense analysts. The deployment of such assets underscores the IRGC's shift toward direct military engagement, moving beyond its traditional reliance on regional proxies.