The Ghost Missile: How Iran's invisible Kheibar Shekan missile outran Israel's defences

Economic Times

4 days ago

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IRGC confirms missile use, hints at more to come
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Technical specs and range
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Guidance, precision, and speed
A stealthy, streamlined design
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Built over time, hidden in plain sight
A strike that landed and shook
Airspace shut, schools closed, public stunned
A warning shot for the wider region
In its 20th and most sophisticated wave of attacks against Israel, Iran fired a barrage of missiles and drones at key Israeli targets on 22 June, including Ben Gurion Airport and military command centres. But it wasn't just the targets that made headlines.For the first time, Iran deployed the Kheibar Shekan missile—its most advanced, homegrown ballistic weapon—to send a message loud and clear: escalation is now on the table.The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed that it used the Kheibar Shekan missile in the attack, which it said was part of a broader 'strategic response to Israeli aggression.' The attack followed recent airstrikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian nuclear facilities.In a direct quote reported by state news agency IRNA, the IRGC stated: 'This operation did not involve all armed capabilities yet,' indicating that more advanced systems may still be in reserve.According to IRNA, the Kheibar Shekan missile belongs to the fourth generation of Iran's Khorramshahr missile family. It has a range of 1,450 kilometres and runs on solid fuel—giving it high mobility and faster launch times. IRGC engineers claim it can be made launch-ready in under 15 minutes.The warhead weighs approximately 1,500 kilograms and is nearly four metres long. Its top speed exceeds 19,500 km/h outside the atmosphere and nearly 9,800 km/h within, which makes interception by Israeli defence systems like Iron Dome, David's Sling, or even the US-made Patriot systems extremely difficult.Unlike earlier Iranian missiles, the Kheibar Shekan uses satellite navigation and a new guidance system. It also features a Maneuverable Reentry Vehicle (MaRV) that allows it to zigzag through the atmosphere before hitting its target.This makes it not only fast, but also hard to track and intercept.Military sources say it passes through three phases: an initial launch and flight, then warhead guidance using rear thrusters, and finally re-entry, where onboard engines adjust the final course while maintaining speeds above Mach 8.Engineers have removed ailerons from its exterior, reducing drag and enhancing stealth. The engine—named 'Arond'—is built inside the fuel tank to make the missile shorter and harder to detect.It can be launched from a mobile platform and is believed to be deployable from multiple locations, complicating Israel's response planning.The development of this missile series started in 2017 with the unveiling of the Khorramshahr-1. Later versions included Khorramshahr-2 in 2019, and the Khorramshahr-4 in 2023. Iran has never publicly confirmed the third generation, Khorramshahr-3, though military officials have acknowledged its existence, hinting at 'advanced capabilities that have not been disclosed for security reasons.'Kheibar Shekan means 'Breaker of Khyber' in Arabic—a name loaded with historical significance for Iran. It refers to the 7th-century Battle of Khyber between Muslims and Jews in Arabia, where Imam Ali bin Abi Talib played a pivotal role.The name, steeped in Shiite history, isn't just symbolism—it's part of how Iran frames its conflict with Israel. The missile was earlier used during 'Sadiq Promise 1' in April 2024 and again in 'Sadiq Promise 2' in October, as reported by Western media.According to Iranian claims, this latest strike disrupted Israel's air traffic, damaged several military and research facilities, and triggered chaos in cities like Haifa and Tel Aviv.Nine buildings were reported destroyed in the Ramat Gan district of Tel Aviv, while explosions were reported in Haifa. Israeli emergency services confirmed 23 injuries, including three serious cases and a teenager. A woman died from a heart attack in Karmiel during the strikes.Israeli defence sources told local media that at least 18 out of 30 Iranian ballistic missiles evaded interception—'the highest percentage of successful hits this year.'Flights were suspended at Ben Gurion Airport. Schools were shut. Public gatherings were banned. Residents were urged to take shelter in underground bunkers as defence sirens rang across major cities.Though Israel said no 'major damage' was caused to its military bases, the psychological and operational impact was clear.Iran's strike wasn't just about Israel. It signals wider regional intentions. Tehran has long relied on allied militias—Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and armed groups in Iraq—to exert influence beyond its borders. Analysts believe these groups may soon ramp up pressure on US and allied forces across Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and even the Gulf.The Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world's oil passes, could be blocked. Oil prices would surge. Shipping lanes through the Red Sea and Persian Gulf would become unsafe. Rerouting global cargo would mean higher freight costs, delivery delays, and disrupted supply chains.As tensions rise, capital may flee the region, putting fragile economies at further risk.Iran's Kheibar Shekan isn't just a missile—it's a declaration. Built for speed, stealth, and accuracy, and grounded in ideological legacy, it marks a leap in Iran's missile technology. Its battlefield debut, aimed at Israel's critical infrastructure, suggests Tehran is prepared for a longer, riskier game. And as the fallout spreads across defence systems, global trade, and diplomacy, the world is watching not just for what was fired—but for what might come next.