A report flags precision components from China that could be destined for the production of medium-range Houthi missiles.
A recent study claims that the rebels Houthis they would be trying to assemble technologically advanced medium-range ballistic missiles using parts from the China. If they can do so, their military capacity could grow and the threat from the group, backed by Iran, become broader. The report was produced by Conflict Armament Research, an organization that documents the use of weapons in theaters of war and reconstructs their supply channels. According to information gathered, the Houthis received several components from a Chinese company useful for building a variant of the Kheibar Shekanone of the most powerful missiles in the Iranian arsenal. The version under development could reach approximately 1,900 kilometers, putting both theSaudi Arabia is Israel. The Kheibar Shekan, presented in Tehran in 2022, it is a mobile and relatively cheap missile, designed to strike with precision. In the past, according to the Wall Street Journal, theIran would use it with significant results against US bases during last spring’s conflict.
In recent times the Houthis have intensified attacks against Saudi Arabia, trying to break the blockade imposed by Riyadh. The offensives, combined with Iranian bombings of commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, have contributed to the increase in oil prices and sparked a reaction from President Trump. On Tuesday, on the Social Truth platform, Trump accused the Houthis of behaving “very badly.” The report, reviewed by The Wall Street Journal before publication, is based on data submitted in July by Yemeni authorities. The information concerns two shipments stopped last year, one of which contained missile equipment hidden among other goods. Fabian Hinz, senior analyst at Conflict Armament, explained that the arrival of similar components could indicate that production has already begun or that attempts are underway, albeit unsuccessful so far. The Houthi production network is so difficult to identify that it is not possible to establish precisely how far along the project is. Compared to other Iranian models, the Kheibar Shekan is more difficult to intercept because it can change trajectory during flight. In some versions, according to experts and officials, the front part containing the warhead separates in the final phase and uses a small thruster to adjust course as it approaches the target at about 9,650 kilometers per hour.
Mohammed al-Bashafounder of the consultancy firm Basha Reportbelieves that after years of dependence on Tehran and Hezbollah the Houthis have acquired greater autonomy in the manufacture of weapons. Previously Iran supplied them with missiles which were then reassembled and used. Today, he said al-Bashathe group would develop local expertise in drone and missile software, expand procurement channels, gain field experience and establish contacts with smuggling networks and international suppliers. The United States classifies the Houthis as a terrorist organization; the group is also subject to an arms embargo imposed by the United Nations. In recent years, however, his relations with the China and other suppliers would expand. Reports UN and expert analysis indicates that Chinese companies are now the main source of seized goods destined for the Houthis. Most US-sanctioned suppliers of components for their drones are reportedly based in China. Henry Thompsona former member of the UN panel of experts on sanctions related to Yemen, says there has been evidence of parts for solid-fuel ballistic missiles being imported from China for at least two years. According to Thompson, medium-range missiles would allow the Houthis to strike deeper into Saudi territory and carry heavier payloads than drones and cruise missiles, making them a more formidable adversary. Beijing declares to respect the UN ban on selling weapons to the Houthis. Some of the imported materials may also have civilian uses; others, however, would be designed specifically for missiles. Michael Knights, head of research at the consultancy Horizon Engageargues that the presence of Chinese components in the group’s missiles reveals Beijing’s inability, or unwillingness, to control the final destination of dual-use technologies. Last year Washington accused a Chinese firm of helping the Houthis plan attacks against US ships in Red Sea.
The seized material includes custom-made metal parts, including elements of the missile’s engine and external structure. Stabilization surfaces and components of a solid rocket motor from the family were also found Kheibar Shekan. Yemeni authorities also recovered tools, testing devices and raw materials, including an ablative coating used to protect some parts of the missile from the extreme heat generated during flight. The report of Conflict Armament Includes images of major components. Already towards the end of 2024, the organization’s experts had documented the arrival of custom-made mechanical parts and similar, intended for the Sadr short-range missile; However, it was not possible to identify the supplier. The organization was also shown the transport documents for the equipment reported in July. The documents pointed to a Chinese precision metals manufacturer that presents itself as a specialist in making aerospace components on demand. The report does not reveal his name.
