Iran Unveils New Ballistic Missile With A Range Of Over 1,200 Miles

By i24
Posted on 05/25/23 | News Source: i24

The Khorramshahr has the potential to carry nuclear warheads

Iran unveiled the 4th generation of its Khorramshahr ballistic missile under the name Khaibar with a range of 1,243 miles, state media reported on Thursday. 

According to the official IRNA news agency, the Kheibar missile - the latest version of the Khorramshahr which is Iran's longest-range missile to date - was unveiled alongside a replica of the Al-Aqsa mosque in east Jerusalem, in a live broadcast on state television.

Iran's Defense Minister Mohammad-Reza Ashtiani said the missile was part of Tehran's efforts to "provide comprehensive support to our friends and countries that are on the path of fighting against the domination system."

The Kheibar is a liquid fuel missile with a range of 2,000 kilometers and a 1,500 kg (3,306 lbs) warhead, according to AFP.  The name references the ancient town of Khaybar, located in modern-day Saudi Arabia, known for a decisive seventh-century battle. The army of Prophet Mohammed defeated thousands of Jewish residents.

According to state media, the speed of the high-mobility tactical missile "can reach Mach 16 outside the atmosphere and Mach 8 inside the atmosphere." Its release comes less than two weeks after the five-day Gaza conflict between Israeli forces and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist group supported by Iran. 

In March, Tasnim News Agency citing Iran’s highest-ranking military commander said the country manufactured an advanced ballistic missile capable of hitting moving targets in the sea with great accuracy. Tehran claimed that this would allow it to protect its coastline from hostile warships and aircraft carriers.