Houthis Developing Advanced Ballistic Missiles Using Chinese Components: WSJ Report
Yemen’s Houthi terrorist group is attempting to develop advanced medium-range ballistic missiles using components imported from China, potentially expanding its ability to strike targets across Saudi Arabia and Israel, according to a report published by The Wall Street Journal.
Citing findings by Conflict Armament Research (CAR), an organisation that investigates weapons supply chains in conflict zones, the American newspaper reported that the Houthis had ordered components from a Chinese supplier to develop a locally manufactured version of Iran’s powerful Kheibar Shekan guided ballistic missile.
The proposed Houthi missile would reportedly have a range of approximately 1,200 miles (1,930 kilometres), potentially placing all of Saudi Arabia and Israel within its reach.
The Iranian-designed Kheibar Shekan is considered particularly dangerous because of its manoeuvrability and reported ability to evade air defence systems, making interception more challenging.
According to the report, the findings are based on an examination of two shipments intercepted by Yemeni authorities last year. The shipments reportedly contained missile-related equipment concealed among other goods.
Fabian Hinz, a senior analyst associated with Conflict Armament Research, said the nature of the imported components strongly suggested that the Houthis were either manufacturing ballistic missiles or attempting to establish the capability to do so.
“When you have imports like this, there is a strong likelihood that they are either producing missiles or at least trying to,” Hinz said, according to the report.
However, he noted that Houthi weapons production facilities remain highly concealed, making it difficult to determine how far the missile development programme has progressed.
The findings raise concerns about the Houthis’ expanding missile capabilities and the potential implications for regional security, particularly as Saudi Arabia faces an intensified wave of Houthi attacks.
In recent weeks, Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia have increased significantly, targeting civilian and strategic infrastructure across the Kingdom.
The escalation comes amid continuing Iranian actions against commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, adding pressure on international energy markets and contributing to rising global oil prices.
US President Donald Trump expressed strong frustration on Tuesday over the developments, describing the Houthis’ behaviour as “very bad.”
The reported missile development efforts highlight growing concerns over the acquisition of sophisticated weapons components through international supply chains and their potential use in attacks against regional countries.
While the investigation identifies components reportedly sourced from a Chinese supplier, the precise stage of the Houthis’ missile production programme remains unknown.