Modern Iranian Missiles – EMM Exclusive

Iran has one of the largest and most diverse ballistic missile arsenals in the Middle East. This page compiles open‑source intelligence regarding its newest and most advanced missile systems, with a special focus on hypersonic designs, manoeuvring technologies, and payload estimates. Where data is uncertain we mark “N/A”, and key findings from Jane’s Defence reports are highlighted.

📋 Latest‑Generation Ballistic and Hypersonic Missiles

Missile Name	Type	Range (km)	Warhead/Payload (kg)	Speed (Mach)	Est. Unit Cost (USD)	Nuclear Capable?*	Evasive Ability	Loitering
Khorramshahr‑4 (Kheibar)	MRBM / hypersonic glide	~2,000[reference:0]	1,500–1,800[reference:1][reference:2]	up to Mach 16 (exo‑atmospheric)	$5–8 M (speculative)	Unconfirmed	hypersonic glide vehicle, radar‑evading	N/A
Fattah‑1 / Fattah‑2	hypersonic ballistic	1,400–1,500[reference:3]	~200 (explosives)	Mach 13–15[reference:4]	<$10–12 M (THAAD interceptor comparison)	Unconfirmed	Manoeuvrable RV / HGV	N/A
Sejjil (Sejil)	MRBM (solid fuel)	2,000–2,500[reference:5]	N/A	N/A	N/A	Unconfirmed	“Dancing missile” — trajectory shift ability	N/A
Emad	MRBM	1,700–2,000	750	N/A	~$250 k (open‑source estimate)	N/A	Manoeuvrable re‑entry vehicle	N/A
Ghadr	MRBM	1,600–2,000	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	Limited	N/A
Zulfiqar / Zolfaghar	SRBM (solid fuel)	700–800[reference:6]	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Shahab‑3	MRBM (liquid fuel)	800–2,000	~1,000	Mach 7	N/A	Unconfirmed	Limited	N/A
Qasem Basir	MRBM (electro‑optical)	≥1,200 (Shahid Haj Qasem: 1,400)	500 (Shahid Haj Qasem)[reference:7]	N/A	N/A	N/A	Enhanced manoeuvrability, immune to EW, carbon‑fibre body reduces radar signature[reference:8]	N/A
Kheibar Shekan	MRBM (solid fuel)	1,450[reference:9]	N/A (powerful explosive, >TNT)	N/A	N/A	N/A	Highly manoeuvrable in terminal phase[reference:10]	N/A

🔍 Jane’s Defence insights (publicly available excerpts): In June 2025, the IDF struck the Imam Hussein Strategic Missile Command Centre in Yazd, specifically targeting Khorramshahr missiles – the type is described as “Iran’s most powerful missile” with a 2 000 km range and at least 1 500 kg payload[reference:11]. A 2025 Jane’s article noted a new variant of the Khorramshahr with a smaller re‑entry vehicle, which is “likely to have increased its maximum range from 2 000 km to approximately 3 000 km”[reference:12]. Another Jane’s piece also highlighted the Kheibar Shekan (1 450 km range, solid propellant) with six‑times‑quicker launch and enhanced terminal manoeuvrability[reference:13]. These reports are among the most authoritative open‑source technical assessments available.

🛰️ What about cruise missiles & loitering weapons?

Iran has also fielded a range of cruise missiles, e.g., the Hoveizeh (range >1 350 km, low‑altitude terrain‑hugging)[reference:14] and the Heidar‑1/2 air‑launched systems. Loitering capabilities are primarily associated with drone‑based platforms such as the Shahed‑136 (often used in swarming attacks). Traditional ballistic missiles generally do not loiter, though Iran’s anti‑ship systems like Hormuz‑2 (family of Fateh‑110, ~300 km range) incorporate terminal radar homing for high‑precision maritime strikes[reference:15].

⚡ Data limitations & verification: Most missile parameters (range, payload, speed) are based on Iranian state announcements or open‑source modelling. Independent verification is rarely possible; Western sources often treat Iranian claims with caution. The column “Nuclear Capable?*” does not imply Iran possesses nuclear warheads – it reflects the theoretical ability of the missile to carry one. The EMM table aggregates open‑source analysis from Janes, WION, CSIS, and other defence journals.