Khaibar-1
TypeRocket artillery
Place of originSyria
Service history
Used byHezbollah, Hamas
Wars2006 Lebanon War, Syrian Civil War, 2023 Israel-Hamas War
Production history
VariantsR-160 (Hamas variant)
Specifications
Mass750 kg (launch weight)
Length6.3 m (rocket)
Width0.302 m (body diameter)
Caliber302 mm
CarriageUnique Syrian-designed launcher
Effective firing range100 km
FillingPossibly cluster munition or fragmentation warhead

The Khaibar-1 (Arabic: خيبر-1), also known as the Khyber-1, M-302,[1] B-302[2] and the R160[3] is a Syrian-made 302 mm[4] unguided artillery rocket. It is best known for being used by Hezbollah against targets in northern Israel during the 2006 Lebanon War, and has also been used in the Syrian Civil War. It is a derivative of the Chinese WS-1 rocket.[1]

The Khaibar-1 is significant because the rocket has a 100 km range,[5][6] longer than the BM-21 Grad rockets that make up most of the Hezbollah rocket force. It uses a unique Syrian-designed launcher and possibly a cluster munition[7] or fragmentation warhead.[8][9] The rocket is easily recognizable by its fixed tail fins.

The rocket is often misidentified as Iranian[10][11] or as a variant of Iranian Fajr-3[8] or Fajr-5 rockets.[12]

Hamas claims to be able to manufacture its own version of the M-302, named the R-160, named after one of its former leaders Abdel Aziz Al Rantisi.[3]

Characteristics

The Khaibar-1 is a rocket with a range capability of 100 kilometers when carrying a payload weighing 150 kilograms. This projectile is generally armed with large warheads designed for anti-personnel effects. It measures 6.3 meters in length, has a body diameter of 0.302 meters, and a launch weight of approximately 750 kilograms. The launch apparatus consists of a two-tiered structure, with each layer comprising three firing tubes. The Khaibar-1, while being unguided, boasts greater accuracy compared to the majority of locally produced rockets utilized by Hezbollah and Hamas. It also benefits from enhanced storage options due to its increased durability. Unlike the Fajr-5, the Khaibar-1 does not employ a spin mechanism during flight, which may affect its precision adversely.[13]

Origin of the name

Khaibar, also spelled Khaybar, is an oasis approximately 95 miles north of Medina, which was once the largest Jewish settlement in Arabia. The name was chosen as a reminder of the Battle of Khaybar, a battle that took place in 629 between Muhammad and his followers against the Jewish people who inhabited the settlement. The name of the rocket was first revealed on July 28, 2006 by Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in a speech on Al-Manar television station.

Usage

The rocket's first use was being fired at the Israeli city of Afula during the 2006 Lebanon War. In early August 2006, Khaibar-1 rockets were reported to hit Beit Shean, about 70 km south of the Lebanese border,[14] Hadera,[15] and Haifa, Israel's third-largest city.[16]

Iran has attempted to ship the Khaibar-1 rocket to Gaza as well.[1]

Operators

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 Yuri Lyamin and N.R. Jenzen-Jones (March 12, 2014). "Assessment of the Khaibar-1 Rockets Captured by the IDF". Armament Research Services.
  2. ↑ William M. Arkin, Divining Victory: Airpower in the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah War (2007) p. 35 ISBN 978-1585661688
  3. 1 2 Hamas Firing China-Designed, Syria-Made M-302 Rockets: Israel - NBC News, July 14 2014
  4. ↑ "Hezbollah's Rocket Blitz - by David Eshel". Defense Update. 2006-10-29. Archived from the original on 2017-12-22. Retrieved 2013-10-19.
  5. ↑ Zelikovich, Moran (1995-06-20). "Police: Missile fired at Hadera - Israel News, Ynetnews". Ynetnews. Ynetnews.com. Retrieved 2013-10-19.
  6. ↑ "'Hezbollah has long-range surface-to-air missiles'". Jpost.com. 2012-01-19. Retrieved 2013-10-19.
  7. ↑ "302mm Khaibar (M-302)". Foundation for Defense of Democracies. 28 October 2013. Archived from the original on 15 September 2017. Retrieved 8 March 2018.
  8. 1 2 William M. Arkin, Divining Victory: Airpower in the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah War (2007) p. 34 ISBN 978-1585661688
  9. ↑ "Civilians under Assault: Hezbollah'ss Rocket Attacks on Israel in the 2006 War: Hezbollah's Arsenal". Human Rights Watch.
  10. ↑ Anthony H. Cordesman, Martin Kleiber. Iran's Military Forces and Warfighting Capabilities (2007) ISBN 978-0-89206-501-1 p.60-61
  11. ↑ Pontin, Mark Williams. "The Missiles of August".
  12. ↑ Dullum, Ove (30 June 2010). The Rocket Artillery Reference Book (PDF). Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI). ISBN 978-82-464-1829-2.
  13. ↑ "Missiles and Rockets of Hezbollah". August 10, 2021. Retrieved November 5, 2023.
  14. ↑ "JPost | French-language news from Israel, the Middle East & the Jewish World". Fr.jpost.com. 2013-10-15. Archived from the original on 2012-07-08. Retrieved 2013-10-19.
  15. ↑ "For first time: Hizbullah targets Hadera area - Israel News, Ynetnews". Ynetnews.com. 1995-06-20. Archived from the original on 2008-06-29. Retrieved 2012-11-07.
  16. ↑ "Record number of rockets hit north; 80 hurt - Israel News, Ynetnews". Ynetnews. Ynetnews.com. 1995-06-20. Retrieved 2012-11-07.
  17. ↑ "The Threat of Iranian Missile Development and Export". Archived from the original on 2009-03-11. Retrieved 2012-01-03.
  18. ↑ "Hamas firing long-range M-302 rockets at Israel, capable of 150-km distance". Haaretz. Retrieved 2014-07-09.
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