Khaybar KH2002
Summary
| Country | 🇮🇷 Iran |
| Category | Bullpup assault rifle |
| Manufacturer | Defense Industries Organization |
Technical specifications
| Khaybar KH2002 | |
|---|---|
| Fire Rate | 800 - 850 rounds/min. |
| Caliber | 5.56 x 45 mm OTAN |
| Magazine | 30 rounds |
| Length | 780 mm (30.7 in) |
| Weight | 3.7 kg (8.2 lb) |
| Range | 450 m (1476 ft) |
Description
The KH-2002 Khaybar is an Iranian assault rifle designed by the Defense Industries Organization (DIO). Derived from the DIO S 5.56 assault rifle, which traces back to the Chinese Norinco CQ and the American M16 platforms, its design was finalized in 2001, with sample production in 2003 and full production starting in 2004. The rifle's appearance is similar to the QBZ-95 and FAMAS rifles. Plans from 2006 intended it to replace G3 rifles in the Iranian military. Production is believed to have stopped in 2012.
The KH-2002 is a gas-operated rifle with a rotating bolt, utilizing STANAG magazines (typically 20- or 30-round). The fire selector, located at the rear of the left side buttstock, offers safety, semi-automatic, three-round burst, and fully automatic modes. An M16-type magazine release button is situated on the right side of the magazine housing, with the ejection port on the right. The charging handle is on top of the receiver, and a carrying handle protects the rear sight, which can also mount optical or night sights. DIO describes the rifle as low-recoil, accurate, lightweight, and modular. The standard rifle, with a long barrel and an empty 30-round magazine, weighs 3.7 kg and can accept an AK-type bayonet and an optional bipod. An improved version, the "Sama" (2009), featured a longer carry handle, a foregrip extension, two Picatinny rails on the receiver, and a modified bolt carrier design. Field stripping is likely based on the M16.
Different variants of the KH-2002 platform were offered:
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An Assault Rifle variant (standard barrel, based on the M16A1)
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A Carbine variant (short barrel, no front sight)
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A DMR (Designated Marksman Rifle) variant (longer barrel)
The KH-2002 sees limited use within Iran. There have been reports of attempted foreign acquisitions. Venezuela reportedly received 18,000 units in 2007, but these were later seized in Uruguay following a smuggling attempt. In 2008, ten samples sent to Syria to compete against the AK-74M failed to secure a contract due to jamming issues during field tests.
Current operators include Iran, which uses the rifle in limited numbers. Failed contract attempts were reported with Syria and Uruguay.