Missile Khorramshahr

The Khorramshahr is a medium-range ballistic missile whose design is derived from the North Korean Hwasong-10. A version of this foreign missile, designated BM-25, was acquired by Iran, which then developed a domestic variant that was smaller and described as more tactical. This modification involved reducing propellant mass, which in turn affected its operational range. The system was first reportedly test-fired in early 2017, followed by another test in 2020 which featured a small re-entry vehicle designed to potentially extend its range and improve accuracy.

The system is a liquid-fueled missile capable of reaching high supersonic to hypersonic speeds. Its most notable capability is its capacity to carry a very heavy warhead, which provides the potential for delivering a nuclear payload. While its size creates uncertainty about its ability to carry multiple nuclear warheads, officials have stated it possesses a multiple-warhead capability. Rather than using wings for stabilization, the missile is controlled by a main engine and smaller, separated gas outputs for maneuvering. An advanced variant, the Khorramshahr-4, incorporates significant upgrades, including an engine that uses storable hypergolic fuels, a stronger composite airframe, and a mid-phase guidance system. This system allows the missile to correct its trajectory while outside the atmosphere, making it less vulnerable to terminal phase electronic warfare.

Launched from mobile platforms, the Khorramshahr missile offers significant operational flexibility. From launch sites in western Iran, its range allows it to hold targets at risk across the Middle East, including Israel, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, as well as parts of southeastern Europe. Some analysts believe its true range could be greater, intentionally limited during testing by the use of heavier-than-normal warheads. The advanced Khorramshahr-4 variant further enhances its tactical use, as its storable fuel can be kept in the missile's tanks for long periods, reducing launch preparation time to mere minutes.