Amid reports of a massive US military build-up at the British territory of Diego Garcia for a potential ‘military operation’ in the Middle East, Iran has unveiled a gigantic ‘underground missile megacity’ housing its latest missiles.
The Aerospace Division of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) unveiled the “missile megacity” on March 25, claiming that it was just one among the hundreds of such facilities in the country.
The facility was unveiled with the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Major General Mohammad Bagheri, and the Aerospace Division’s Commander, Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, in attendance.
Multiple Iranian news outlets published video footage showing the top brass touring the sprawling center that houses thousands of surgical strike ballistic missiles such as Kheybar Shekan, Martyr Haj Qassem, Qadr-H, Sejjil, and Emad.
Iran Displays Its Firepower
Among the multiple missiles showcased in the facility, Iran’s Kheybar Shekan-1 missile is one of the most capable. It is a High-Explosive (HE), mobile, single-stage Solid-Propellant (SP), Surface-to-Surface Medium-Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) that entered service in 2022.
At that time, the missile’s unique name garnered headlines. ‘Khaybar’ refers to the famous war between Muslims and Jews in the early years of Islam and the victory of Muslims over Jews. Khaybar, which is located approximately 150 kilometers northwest of Medina, was home to a sizable community of Jewish tribes.
The Kheybar Shekan missile warhead configuration is of the Tri Conic type, which maintains warhead stability during heavy maneuvers.
Due to the warhead’s design, the possibility of maneuvering this missile in the final terminal-guidance phase against anti-missile defense systems has been strengthened. In fact, Iranian media claims that the missile could bypass even the latest US missile defense systems, such as the much-vaunted THAAD and Patriot, as well as David’s Sling of the Israel Defense Forces.
“When Maneuverable Detachable Warheads (MaRV) enter the Earth’s atmosphere, they maneuver with the help of their wings. During the maneuver, their kinetic energy and, of course, their speed are reduced. For this reason, at the moment the warhead hits the target, no signs of burning wings or melting of the warhead are observed, which makes it possible to perform heavy maneuvers to neutralize enemy air defenses. At the moment of impact, the warhead’s speed is estimated to be about Mach 2 to 3.”
Incidentally, Iran has already used this missile against Israel once. In October 2024, during Operation “True Promise 2,” when Tehran fired over 180 missiles at Israel, one of the missiles used was Kheibar Shekan.
Another missile showcased at the facility was Martyr Haj Qassem. The missile was first unveiled in August 2020 as part of Iran’s National Defense Industry Day. In an announcement to state television, Iranian officials revealed footage of the “Martyr Hajj Qassem,” a solid-fueled ballistic missile named for slain Iranian general Qassem Soleimani.
The Qadr-H missile, which can fly as far as 1,700 kilometers, and the Emad and Sejjil missiles were also showcased.
“Iran’s iron fist is far stronger [today] than before. All the (defensive) dimensions that are required for generating a capability that is ten times (stronger than) the one deployed during Operation True Promise II have been created,” Bagheri said, addressing the facility’s personnel during the tour.
Iran’s War Preparations
Ever since the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel by Hamas, a direct war between Israel and Iran is a very real possibility. Since then, both countries have launched air and missile strikes on each other but have avoided a large-scale direct war.
Iran launched “Operation True Promise,” firing over 300 drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles from its territory on April 13, 2024. Iranian strikes were in response to Israel’s April 1 bombing of the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, which killed 16 people, including IRGC commander Mohammad Reza Zahedi.
However, most of these drones and missiles were intercepted by a coalition including Israel, the U.S., the U.K., France, and Jordan, with 99% of projectiles downed.
Israel responded within days. On April 19, 2024, Israel conducted a limited retaliatory strike following Iran’s April 13 attack. The strike reportedly damaged an S-300 air defense system near Natanz, a key site in Iran’s nuclear program. Western and Iranian officials noted the use of drones and at least one missile launched from a warplane.
In September 2024, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was assassinated in Tehran. Iran responded with Operation ‘True Promise 2,’ launching approximately 180 ballistic missiles in two waves. Israel, with U.S. and Jordanian assistance, intercepted most missiles, though some hit Nevatim and Tel Nof airbases, causing minor damage.
In response, on October 26, 2024, Israel launched “precise and targeted” airstrikes, dubbed “Days of Repentance,” hitting missile manufacturing facilities, surface-to-air missile sites, and air defense systems in Iran.
However, despite these strikes, both sides have managed to avoid an all-out confrontation that can quickly spiral into a wider regional war. However, since President Donald Trump assumed power in January 2025, the chances of a direct war between the two regional adversaries have become stronger.
Amid rising regional tensions, Tehran has tried to demonstrate its strength by showcasing its deterrence capabilities. In September 2024, it showcased the Jihad ballistic missile and Shahed 136B Drone.
On January 27, Iran showcased the Gaza Drone, a super-heavy drone boasting a 1,000-kilometer range and a 500-kilogram payload capacity.
This was followed by the unveiling of the Bavar 373-II Air Defense System earlier this month.
In February this year, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps unveiled its first homegrown drone carrier warship.
The carrier, “Shahid Bahman Baqeri,” features a 180-meter runway and can travel up to 22,000 nautical miles. During the ceremony, IRGC naval commander Alireza Tangsiri said it can carry several squadrons of drones, guided submersibles, helicopters, and cruise missiles.
Iran’s unveiling of its massive ‘underground missile city’ also comes at a time when the US is reportedly deploying its B–2 strategic stealth bombers to the British territory of Diego Garcia for a possible operation in the Middle East.
This large-scale military deployment has raised suspicions that a major military operation is about to begin. Amid increasing threats of a regional war, Iran wants to send a message that any possible adventure by the US and Israel will invite a strong response from Tehran.
- Sumit Ahlawat has over a decade of experience in news media. He has worked with Press Trust of India, Times Now, Zee News, Economic Times, and Microsoft News. He holds a Master’s Degree in International Media and Modern History from The University of Sheffield, UK.
- He can be reached at ahlawat.sumit85 (at) gmail.com
