Iran improving cheaper, more accurate missiles that put target on entire Middle East - report

Iran is using Kheibar Shekan missiles, cheap, mobile, and accurate, with a range of 1,400 km, in strikes against US assets. The solid-fuel missiles can be kept fueled and loaded quickly, evading warplanes. US officials say some have gotten through, and Iran is combining them with drones and less sophisticated missiles to target radars and troop housing.

Iran has been using Kheibar Shekan missiles, cheap, mobile, and accurate, with a range of at least 1,400 kilometers, in recent strikes against US assets across the Middle East, according to US officials cited by the Wall Street Journal. The solid-fuel, medium-range missiles differ from older Iranian missiles that require prelaunch fueling; the Kheibar Shekan can be kept fueled and loaded quickly onto trucks, making it easier to evade US and Israeli warplanes targeting launch sites. While the US and its allies have shot down most Kheibar Shekans, some have gotten through, using different flight paths, maneuvers, and speeds to confuse defenses. Iran is combining these launches with high-speed attack drones and less sophisticated missiles, targeting radars and housing areas for US troops. Experts say Iran is learning from previous strikes and adapting. Iran may be assembling more missiles from components in underground bases, though production facilities for engines have been destroyed. The missiles are far cheaper than US and Israeli interceptors, costing between $2 million and $15 million per interceptor.