The Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen are reportedly making strides towards developing an advanced medium-range ballistic missile system with components sourced from China, according to a new report from the U.K.-based Conflict Armament Research group. This development comes amid the Houthis' ongoing conflict with Saudi Arabia, showcasing their increasing capability to challenge one of the region's most well-equipped militaries.
The missile technology under development is expected to enhance the Houthis' targeting precision against Saudi Arabia and Israel. The move to procure parts from China suggests a shift towards greater independence in arms manufacturing.
According to the report, the Houthis are attempting to obtain critical components from Chinese suppliers, which could be utilized to fabricate a variant of Iran’s Kheibar Shekan precision-guided missile. This missile boasts a range of approximately 1,200 miles (2,000 kilometers). Fabian Hinz, a senior analyst at Conflict Armament Research, noted, "The local ambition of the Houthis for manufacturing is beyond what was previously assumed." He emphasized that the specific parts sought are not conducive to civilian applications, underscoring the Houthis' intent to build military-grade weaponry.
China’s involvement was indirectly addressed by Liu Chang, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, who stated that Beijing adheres to its international obligations and regulates the export of military products responsibly. China is a significant buyer of oil from both Iran and Saudi Arabia and has recently worked to facilitate relations between the two countries. Despite this, the Chinese government has condemned attacks on Saudi infrastructure by the Houthis, calling for a de-escalation of the conflict.
The Conflict Armament report highlights that key components essential for missile construction were intercepted in shipments from China, meant for delivery to Hodeidah, a Yemeni port frequently used for transferring weapons. The seized cargo featured stabilizing fin cores, rocket motor aft closures with nozzle attachments, and igniters—all integral to missile functionality. Additionally, phenolic resin, used to create ablative heat shields for missiles during atmospheric re-entry, was part of the intercepted items.
The Houthis have evolved from an insurgent group equipped with Soviet-era weapons to a force increasingly capable of launching sophisticated missile strikes. In their ongoing conflict with Saudi Arabia, they have already employed ballistic missiles, advanced warheads, and long-range drones capable of reaching targets over 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) away. Their recent attacks have even breached Saudi Arabia’s air defense systems, particularly targeting critical sites such as international airports.
Iran has historically supplied the Houthis with blueprints and missile components, but diversifying their sources may provide additional strategic advantages. Behnam Ben Taleblu from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies noted that "redundancy is an asset" in military planning, suggesting that the Houthis are broadening their supply chains amidst existing blockades. While the group has regularly received weapons from Iran, recent shipments have shifted towards components rather than fully assembled arms.
Recent analyses indicate that the Houthis are expanding their domestic manufacturing capabilities, with facilities established in regions they control. However, reliance on Iran for advanced components, particularly guidance systems, remains a factor in their missile production. Reports suggest that the Houthis now possess the capacity to assemble a significant proportion of certain weapons systems utilizing imported parts.
Peer analysts have drawn parallels between the Houthis’ supply chains and those of other Iranian proxies, such as Hamas and Hezbollah. As one of the leading nations in ballistic missile technology, Iran's support has historically focused on facilitating the smuggling of materials while relying on local entities for manufacturing tasks. Kristian Ulrichsen, a Middle East fellow at the Baker Institute, cautioned that the Houthis’ increasing dependence on Chinese components may have larger geopolitical ramifications, especially regarding Saudi Arabia's trade relations with China.
Strategic developments in Yemen’s arms landscape warrant close observation as Saudi Arabia continues its military campaigns in the region aimed at countering the Houthi threat, particularly concerning routes integral to international trade.
