How Dangerous is Iran’s Khorramshahr-4, or “Kheibar,” Missile?

Amidst the ongoing conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran in the Middle East, Iran has launched attacks against Israel and U.S. military bases located in the Gulf nations. The majority of Iran’s attacks have been executed using missiles and drones. Israel has claimed that Iran has also targeted its cities using the lethal Khorramshahr-4 ballistic missile. However, the Khorramshahr-4 missile garnered even greater attention when claims emerged that it was used to target the Diego Garcia military base—a joint U.S. and British facility situated in the Indian Ocean. Nevertheless, the U.S. claimed to have successfully intercepted and shot down the missile using its SM-6 interceptor system before it could reach Diego Garcia.

Let us explore the capabilities of Iran’s Khorramshahr-4 missile and how Iran is utilizing it to wreak havoc in Israel during the conflict. The Khorramshahr-4 is a medium-range ballistic missile developed by Iran. It strikes at a speed of 20,000 kilometers per hour. The missile is estimated to have a range of between 2,000 and 3,000 kilometers. It is capable of delivering an explosive payload of 1,800 kilograms and can be prepared for launch and fired within just 15 minutes. Furthermore, this missile possesses the capability to alter its trajectory while in flight.

It is alleged that this Iranian missile is based on the technology of North Korea’s Musudan—also known as the BM-25—missile. It is also referred to as the “Kheibar” missile, is powered by liquid fuel, and is fired from a mobile launcher. The most significant feature of the Khorramshahr-4 is that, even as it re-enters Earth’s atmosphere on its descent toward a target, it maintains a speed of approximately Mach 8. Due to this extreme velocity, enemy air defense systems are left with insufficient time to react and intercept it. Additionally, this missile is capable of delivering cluster munitions. Israel is also alleging that Iran is continuously attacking by dropping cluster bombs via missiles.

(Disclaimer: All the information taken from public domain and internet, only for knowledge and editorial use.)