IRGC Displays Ballistic Missiles in Iranian Public Squares

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force conducted a public display of ballistic missiles in several city squares across Iran on the evening of April 21, 2026. The exhibition featured multiple missile systems, including the Qadr, Fateh, Kheibar, and Khorramshahr.

The deployment of these weapons coincided with the 52nd consecutive night of popular gatherings taking place in squares throughout all Iranian cities.

Missile Systems Displayed

The IRGC Aerospace Force, the branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps responsible for the development and operation of Iran’s missile and space programs, showcased a variety of ballistic capabilities. The systems exhibited represent different tiers of Iran’s strategic reach and tactical application.

Among the displayed weaponry was the Qadr missile. According to international defense analyses, the Qadr is a liquid-fueled, medium-range ballistic missile developed as an evolution of the Shahab-3 system.

The Fateh and Kheibar missiles were also positioned in public view. Defense reporting typically classifies the Fateh as a short-range ballistic missile often used for tactical precision, while the Kheibar is identified as a short-range system designed for regional deterrence.

Also included in the display was the Khorramshahr missile. Technical specifications cited by military monitors describe the Khorramshahr as a medium-range ballistic missile characterized by a larger diameter and a significantly higher payload capacity compared to earlier Iranian missile generations.

Context of Public Gatherings

The appearance of these strategic assets occurred against the backdrop of ongoing public activity. The missile displays took place during the 52nd consecutive night of popular gatherings held in urban squares across the country.

The IRGC’s decision to move these systems from secure installations into the heart of public spaces marks a visible integration of military hardware into the domestic urban environment during this period of sustained public assembly.

Role of the IRGC Aerospace Force

The IRGC Aerospace Force maintains a distinct role within the Iranian military structure, operating separately from the regular army. It is tasked with the oversight of the nation’s ballistic missile arsenal and its satellite launch capabilities.

The Aerospace Force focuses on the development of indigenous missile technology, emphasizing the ability to strike targets across various distances. The exhibition of the Qadr, Fateh, Kheibar, and Khorramshahr missiles serves as a demonstration of the variety of these capabilities, ranging from tactical short-range strikes to medium-range strategic deterrence.

By displaying these assets in public squares, the IRGC Aerospace Force highlighted the operational readiness of these systems in an environment where civilian populations were already gathered.