Iran's Khorramshahr-4 ballistic missile boasts a range of 2,000km and a 1.5-ton warhead.
Khorramshahr-4 is Iran's new generation ballistic missile, featuring an advanced Arvand engine, a speed of Mach 16, and the ability to be ready for launch in under 12 minutes.
The Khorramshahr-4 is the latest variant in Iran's Khorramshahr ballistic missile family, representing a major leap forward in engine technology and combat readiness. With the integration of hypergolic liquid fuel and an artificial intelligence-based control system, this weapon can overcome modern air defense systems with high accuracy.
Arvand engine and hypergolic fuel technology
The most significant improvement on the Khorramshahr-4 is the use of the Arvand engine, one of the most advanced liquid-fuel engine systems developed domestically by Iran. This engine is designed to use hypergolic fuel, allowing the missile to maintain combat readiness for extended periods.
Unlike traditional liquid-fueled missiles that require refueling immediately before launch, the Khorramshahr-4 can store fuel inside its casing for up to three years. This feature shortens the preparation and deployment time to under 12 minutes, optimizing counter-attack capabilities and minimizing the risk of being destroyed before it can leave the launch pad.
Technical specifications and air defense penetration capabilities.
In terms of performance, the Khorramshahr-4 has an officially stated range of 2,000 km; however, military experts believe the actual range could be as high as 4,000 km. The missile reaches extremely high speeds of Mach 16 outside the atmosphere and maintains Mach 8 during the final approach phase. This speed, combined with its guidance engines, allows the warhead to adjust its trajectory flexibly, making it extremely difficult for space-based missile interception systems to counter it.
The missile's accuracy has also been significantly improved, with an expected Circular Error Probability (CEP) of only 10 to 30 meters at a range of 2,000 km. In addition, the system integrates artificial intelligence (AI) and cyber defense technology to counter enemy electronic warfare measures.
Multipurpose warhead and intelligent guidance system
The Khorramshahr-4 carries a 1,500 kg warhead, one of the largest in Iran's arsenal. Approximately 1,000 kg of this is pure explosive, with the remainder dedicated to the guidance system and trajectory correction engine. The warhead is 4 meters long and can be configured as a single heavy warhead or split into multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs) to strike multiple targets simultaneously.
Depending on the mission, the missile can be fitted with a thermobaric warhead or equipped with an independent radar and optical seeker system. The combination of AI and sensors allows the Khorramshahr-4 to accurately target both fixed land targets and moving targets at sea, enhancing Iran's strategic deterrence capabilities in the region.
