The advanced missile, designed and manufactured by Iranian experts, was unveiled during a ceremony with Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani and other military officials in attendance.

The showcasing of the projectile marks a eye-catching advancement in Iran's ballistic missile capabilities as well as Tehran's firm determination to enhance its deterrent power.

Kheibar is a liquid-fueled missile with a range of 2,000 kilometers and a warhead weighing 1,500 kilograms with impressive strategic and tactical capabilities.

The Khorramshahr class of missiles is known for its unique guidance and control system during the mid-flight phase.

This feature allows the missile to control and adjust its trajectory outside the earth’s atmosphere, and to deactivate its guidance system upon entering the atmosphere, giving it complete immunity against electronic warfare attacks.

Thanks to its advanced control system, the Kheiber missile's warhead does not require the typical thin-wing arrangement, which in turn allows the missile to pack up a heavier explosive load. The missile also boasts an incredibly short preparation and launch time.

The use of self-igniting fuel (hypergolic) and the absence of the need for fuel injection and horizontal alignment after the verticalization phase have cut Kheibar’s launch time to less than 12 minutes.

Thanks to its powerful engine, the Kheibar missile possesses an exceptional impact force, with a ground impact force of 280 and a vacuum impact force of 300 seconds.

Additionally, the engine enables the missile to reach speeds of 16 Mach outside the atmosphere and 8 Mach within the atmosphere.

Speaking at the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Ashtiani said the missile is capable of evading radars and penetrating the enemy’s missile shields.

“We are determined to safeguard the country and the achievements of the Islamic Revolution. And we have proved to the enemy that it cannot at all stop the country’s youths from moving forward on the path of progress,” he stressed.

The minister added that Iran’s defense progress serves the goal of promoting security and stability in West Asia and supporting Tehran’s friends and the states that tread the path of fighting the global hegemonic system.

IRGC Aerospace Commander: Iran's Hypersonic Ballistic Missile Moves at Mach 12-13https://t.co/9OfCGZm4YC pic.twitter.com/QML6raoVQ0

— Fars News Agency (@EnglishFars) February 25, 2023

The Islamic Republic’s military doctrine holds that the country’s armed capability solely serves defensive purposes.

Iranian military experts and technicians have in recent years made substantial headway in manufacturing a broad range of indigenous equipment, making the armed forces self-sufficient in the weaponry sphere.

Iranian officials have repeatedly stressed that the country will not hesitate to boost its military capabilities, including its missile and drone power, which are entirely meant for defense, and that Iran’s defense capabilities will never be subject to negotiation.