Houthi Missile Development Uses Chinese Components, Threatens Israel

The Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen are developing an advanced medium-range ballistic missile system using components sourced from China, according to a report released Wednesday by the British research organization Conflict Armament Research (CAR). This development comes as the Houthis demonstrate capabilities against the Saudi military and could enable them to strike targets in Saudi Arabia and Israel with greater precision. The report suggests the Houthis are seeking greater independence in weapons manufacturing by turning to Chinese suppliers.

CAR's report indicates the Houthis attempted to acquire essential components from Chinese suppliers for a version of Iran's "Khaibar-Shekan" missile, which has a range of approximately 2,000 kilometers. "The Houthis' aspirations for large-scale domestic production are greater than we previously estimated," stated Fabian Hinz, a senior analyst at CAR. He emphasized that these are highly specialized components requiring engineering knowledge of missile structure, not items with diverse civilian applications.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, Liu Chang, stated that Beijing adheres to its international commitments and maintains a cautious and responsible approach to military and dual-use product exports, without directly addressing the report's findings. China, a significant buyer of oil from both Iran and Saudi Arabia, has previously mediated between the two nations and has called for de-escalation, condemning Houthi attacks on Saudi airports.

The CAR report is based on information from Yemeni authorities in July, who intercepted two shipments originating from China destined for the Houthi-controlled port of Hodeidah. Israeli officials consider this port a channel for Iran's arms transfers. Seized components included vital missile parts like stabilizers, rocket motor aft sections, and igniters, as well as phenolic resin used in heat shields for ballistic missiles. Hinz noted that the combination of materials strongly suggests the Houthis intended to assemble this specific Iranian missile model.

Houthi military capabilities have evolved significantly since their origins as a rebel group over two decades ago. They have progressed from using Soviet and North Korean weaponry to launching ballistic missiles, maneuvering warheads, and long-range drones. In the past year, they have successfully penetrated Saudi air defenses, striking Riyadh's international airport and causing at least 18 fatalities. While Iran has historically been a primary supplier of engineering plans and components, the Houthis are diversifying their supply chain. Benham Ben Talebloo, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, suggested this diversification is a strategic advantage, especially given sanctions on Iran.

Experts observe that the Houthi supply chain increasingly integrates global networks, including smugglers with tribal ties in Yemen and businesspeople in China. While sophisticated components like guidance systems may still rely on Iran, the Houthis' domestic manufacturing and assembly capabilities have expanded. Joshua Klistki, a senior researcher at Israel's Institute for National Security Studies, compared the Houthi supply chain to those of other Iran-backed groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Christian Ulrichsen of the Baker Institute suggested that Saudi Arabia might increase pressure on China, its largest trading partner, due to Houthi attacks on its infrastructure.