Iran’s Kheibar Shekan Missile Poses Increasing Threat to US Forces

US officials have indicated that Iran has been deploying the Kheibar Shekan missile in attacks against American military bases in the region since fighting resumed this month, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The officials explained that Iran employs a combination of flight paths, maneuvers, and varying speeds with the missile in an effort to confuse US defense systems.

The Wall Street Journal described the Kheibar Shekan as a key weapon in Tehran’s arsenal, noting it is inexpensive, fast, precise, and has a range of at least 900 miles.

A source noted that Iran recently used this missile in complex attacks, demonstrating its ability to adapt to different conditions, which presents a significant challenge for the United States.

The newspaper added that the Kheibar Shekan missile disrupts US defense systems and has become the most important weapon in Iran’s missile stockpile, playing a central role in recent strikes on American targets.

One US official stated that the United States and its allies have shot down most Kheibar Shekan missiles during the conflict, but some have penetrated the defenses.

Unlike older Iranian missiles that require fueling before launch, military analysts say the Kheibar Shekan can be quickly fueled and loaded onto trucks or other vehicles for rapid deployment, aiming to evade US and Israeli warplanes attempting to destroy Iranian missile sites.

For some missile variants, the front section carrying the explosive warhead, which detaches during the final flight phase, is equipped with a small engine allowing it to adjust its course as it approaches the target at speeds of 6,000 miles per hour, according to analysts and officials.

Ballistic missiles typically pass through the upper atmosphere or space before descending toward their targets, but not all are capable of maneuvering.

Military analysts who studied the Kheibar Shekan missile reported that it can alter its trajectory more than some other ballistic missiles, making it harder to detect and destroy.

US officials also revealed that Iran launches high-speed attack drones and less advanced missiles from the same locations targeted by the satellite-guided Kheibar Shekan missiles, adjusting its tactics throughout the conflict.