Iran unveils new ballistic missile

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards unveiled a new ballistic missile on February 9. State media said that the missile, known as the Khaibar Shekan, had a range of 1,450 kilometers (900 miles), which could put its enemy Israel – as well as many U.S.

Iran’s missile program, which dates back to the monarchy, has become an increasingly important element of its military staple since the 1979 revolution, as the Islamic Republic’s warplanes became obsolete. Since the late 1980s, Iran has developed a more sophisticated arsenal that is critical to its offensive capabilities, as well as its strategy of defensive deterrence.

The Revolutionary Guards said that the Khaibar Shekan is part of the Fateh-110 missile family of solid-fuel missiles. Solid-fuel missiles take less time to prepare for launch compared to liquid-fuel missiles. And they can easily be adapted for mobile launchers placed on trucks or rail systems.