Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels are reportedly attempting to acquire Chinese-made components to develop a sophisticated ballistic missile system. This initiative could enhance their capacity to target locations in Saudi Arabia and Israel, according to a recent report from Conflict Armament Research (CAR). The findings, published on Wednesday, October 14, indicate that Yemeni authorities intercepted two shipments believed to contain missile components originating from China.

The intercepted cargo was intended for delivery to Hodeidah, a port city in Yemen under Houthi control. Researchers assert that these components could enable the Houthis to construct a missile akin to Iran’s Kheibar Shekan, a precision-guided ballistic missile with an estimated range of approximately 2,000 kilometres. This development suggests that the Houthis may be advancing their capabilities to manufacture advanced weaponry domestically, rather than solely depending on complete systems imported from abroad.

Details of Suspected Missile Components

According to the CAR report, the intercepted shipments included various parts associated with missile production. These components featured stabilising fin cores, rocket motor closures with nozzle attachments, and rocket motor igniters. Additionally, the cargo contained phenolic resin, a material utilised in the creation of heat shields that protect missiles during atmospheric flight. Fabian Hinz, a senior analyst at CAR, noted that these findings indicate a more ambitious weapons programme than previously recognised.

Hinz highlighted that the components are highly specialised and that constructing the missile would necessitate specific design information. He remarked that these items are not suitable for diverse civilian applications, underscoring the military intent behind their acquisition. The implications of this development extend beyond Yemen, potentially affecting regional stability and security.

China maintains substantial economic relationships with both Saudi Arabia and Iran. It played a role in facilitating a rapprochement between the two nations in 2023 and has condemned Houthi assaults on Saudi airports. The reported shipments may increase pressure on Beijing as tensions in the region escalate, particularly given its status as Saudi Arabia’s largest trading partner.

Diversification of Supply Sources by Houthis

Iran has historically been a significant supplier of weapons designs and components for the Houthis. However, analysts suggest that the group is increasingly diversifying its sources of supply through broader international networks. Behnam Ben Taleblu, senior director of the Iran Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, indicated that redundancy in supply chains is advantageous for military planning. He noted that with a blockade on Iran, the Houthis are seeking alternative sources.

The Century Foundation, a US think tank, has characterised the Houthi weapons supply chain as involving smugglers and businesses operating across multiple countries. This diversification strategy may enhance the group’s capacity to assemble advanced missiles, raising security concerns in the Gulf region, where Saudi Arabia has experienced numerous Houthi attacks.

Analysts warn that access to more sophisticated missile components could significantly improve the Houthis’ ability to manufacture weapons and target distant locations. Kristian Ulrichsen, a Middle East fellow at the Baker Institute, cautioned that the reported supply links could intensify pressure on China from Saudi Arabia. He suggested that the escalation of attacks on infrastructure and airports may lead to increased demands from the Saudis regarding the situation.

The overall extent of the Houthis’ capability to produce the reported missile system remains uncertain, but the implications for regional security are significant. The international community will be closely monitoring developments as tensions continue to rise in the area.

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