Kheibarshekan is solid fuelled, meaning a dramatically reduced flight preparation period and fewer maintenance requirements compared to liquid-fuelled analogues. Furthermore, it is said to be equipped with manoeuvrable reentry vehicle (MaRV) capability, meaning the theoretical capability to dodge certain missile defence systems.
The missile’s nomenclature can be interpreted as a direct message to Israel, with the ‘Kheibar’ part of the name being a reference to the Battle of Kheibar between followers of the Prophet Muhammad and Jewish tribesmen who barricaded themselves in a series of forts at an oasis in the northwestern Arabian Peninsula in the year 628 CE. The battle led to the tribesmen being routed, adding significantly to Muhammad’s prestige as a commander. After the battle, the Jews were allowed to continue to live at the oasis in exchange for the payment of tribute to the Muslim leader.