Yemen's Houthis Developing Advanced Ballistic Missiles with Chinese Parts
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
Yemen's Houthi rebels are reportedly developing advanced ballistic missiles with components from China, aiming for a range that could strike all of Israel and Saudi Arabia. The effort involves producing a version of Iran's Khaybar missile, with intercepted shipments revealing custom-made parts. While the success of the program is uncertain, it signifies the Houthis' increasing independence from Iran. Chinese firms are identified as a major source of these components, despite Beijing's claims of adhering to UN arms embargoes.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Yemen's Houthis are attempting to independently develop advanced ballistic missiles using Chinese components.
- The potential missile is a version of Iran's Khaybar, with a range capable of hitting all of Israel and Saudi Arabia.
- Intercepted shipments contained custom-made missile parts, engine components, and stabilizers.
- Chinese firms are identified as the primary source of components for the Houthi missile program.
- The development signifies the Houthis' growing autonomy and diversification of supply chains.
- It remains unclear if the Houthis have successfully manufactured the advanced missile.
The Houthi movement in Yemen is reportedly attempting to independently develop advanced ballistic missiles, utilizing components sourced from China. A new report by Conflict Armament Research (CAR), cited by The Wall Street Journal, indicates an effort to produce a version of Iran's Khaybar ballistic missile. This potential missile would have a range of up to 1,930 kilometers, capable of threatening all of Israel and Saudi Arabia.
The findings are based on two shipments intercepted by Yemeni authorities last year, containing missile equipment concealed within other goods. The information regarding these seizures was provided to CAR in July. Among the seized items were custom-made engine and chassis parts, missile stabilizers, and components for a solid-fuel rocket motor. Tools, testing equipment, and protective materials for intense heat were also found.
Shipping documents from these seizures pointed to a Chinese manufacturer specializing in custom aerospace and aviation metal components, though the company's name was not disclosed in the report. In late 2024, researchers had documented similar parts for the Houthis' shorter-range Saader missile, with the supplier unidentified in that instance.
Despite the seizures, it remains unclear if the Houthis have successfully manufactured the missile. Fabian Hinz, a senior analyst at CAR, stated that production might be underway or that attempts may not have yet succeeded, noting that the concealment of Houthi weapons facilities makes assessing their program's progress difficult. The Khaybar missile, first displayed by Iran about four years ago, is described as a mobile and precise weapon designed to evade air defenses, with some versions capable of separating their warheads mid-flight.
This development reflects the Houthis' growing autonomy, moving beyond their previous reliance on Iran and Hezbollah. Mohammed Al-Basha, founder of a risk consultancy firm in Washington, suggested the group has developed local manufacturing capabilities, diversified its supply chains, and established connections with smugglers and international procurement networks.
According to UN reports and weapons experts, Chinese firms are currently the largest source of goods intercepted en route to the Houthis, despite China's claims of adhering to the UN arms embargo. While some components could have civilian uses, others appear specifically designed for missiles. These findings emerge as the Houthis have intensified attacks on Saudi Arabia in recent weeks, aiming to break the Riyadh-led blockade. Henry Thompson, a former expert on the UN Panel of Experts for Yemen, warned that medium-range ballistic missiles would allow the Houthis to strike deeper into Saudi Arabia with larger payloads than drones or cruise missiles, posing a more significant threat.
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