Houthis Secretly Assemble Iranian Super-Rockets From Chinese Parts, Israel Targeted

The Houthi group Ansar Allah is importing components from China to assemble its own version of Iran's "Khyber Shekan" ballistic missile, according to an investigation by Conflict Armament Research. Yemeni authorities intercepted two large shipments of illicit cargo containing these missile parts, which were hidden among ordinary goods, The Wall Street Journal reported. The seized components included custom-made metal engine parts, fuselage elements, and stabilizing fins, as well as ablative materials designed to protect the missile from extreme atmospheric heat. Documentation indicates a Chinese aerospace manufacturer supplied these parts.

The "Khyber Shekan" missile is described as a high-precision, guided weapon capable of evading air defense systems due to its maneuvering fins. Some variants feature a warhead that separates in the final stage of flight and uses a small engine to adjust its trajectory, reaching speeds of 6,000 miles per hour as it approaches its target. "When it comes to imports, there is a possibility that production is already established or that attempts are being made to refine the missiles and establish their production," said Fabian Hinz, a senior analyst at Conflict Armament. He noted that Houthi weapons production facilities are so well-camouflaged that the extent of their missile production is unclear.

Previously, Iran supplied Houthis with complete missiles or large kits for assembly, leading to the Yemeni version being locally named "Hatem." However, the Houthis are now seeking to reduce their reliance on direct contraband shipments of finished weapons from Tehran, which are heavily monitored and intercepted by international forces. Instead, they are purchasing individual high-tech components directly from Chinese aerospace manufacturers through civilian commercial channels. Using these parts, manufactured to their specifications, the militants are attempting to independently produce key missile components, including engine parts, fuselage elements, and guidance systems based on Iranian technology.

The intercepted shipment occurred in July. This incident highlights China's growing role as a source of dual-use goods for the Houthis, the WSJ noted. In previous years, the U.S. Treasury Department has exposed networks of Chinese front companies involved in logistics and supply for the militants, sanctioning firms like Hubei Chica Industrial and Shenzhen Shengnan Trading for their role in supplying dual-use goods, drone components, and specialized military materials.