Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels are seeking Chinese-made components to develop advanced ballistic missiles that could reach Saudi Arabia and Israel, according to a report by Conflict Armament Research (CAR), raising concerns about the group’s expanding weapons capabilities.
The report, released on Wednesday, October 14, said Yemeni authorities had intercepted two shipments containing suspected missile components intended for delivery to Hodeidah, a port controlled by the Houthis. The equipment originated in China, according to the Associated Press.
Researchers said the components could help the group develop missiles resembling Iran’s Kheibar Shekan, a precision-guided ballistic missile introduced in 2022. The weapon has a reported range of around 2,000 kilometers, potentially placing Saudi Arabia and Israel within reach.
The findings suggest the Houthis may be seeking to manufacture more advanced weapons inside Yemen rather than relying solely on complete weapons supplied by foreign partners.
Chinese Components Found In Suspected Missile Shipments
According to CAR, the intercepted shipments contained specialized components associated with missile production, including stabilizing fin cores, rocket motor closures with nozzle attachments, and rocket motor igniters. The cargo also included phenolic resin, a material used to manufacture heat shields that protect missiles during atmospheric flight.
An analysis by CAR traced the components to a Chinese precision-metal producer. Researchers said the parts were not suitable for a wide range of civilian applications and could support the development of advanced ballistic missiles.
Fabian Hinz, a senior analyst at CAR, said the findings indicated that the Houthis’ ambitions to manufacture weapons locally were greater than previously understood. He cautioned that the presence of imported components could mean the group was already manufacturing missiles or attempting to do so, although the extent of its progress remains unclear.
China Responds To Questions Over Supplies
The findings have raised questions about the Houthis’ growing links with Chinese suppliers. According to the United Nations and arms experts, Chinese companies have become major sources of seized goods bound for Houthi-controlled territory, with many of the group’s drone components also originating in China.
The United States accused Chinese companies last year of helping the Houthis carry out attacks on American ships in the Red Sea.
Liu Chang, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, did not directly address the reported shipments. He said Beijing followed its international obligations and maintained strict controls on military exports and dual-use goods.
China has economic ties with both Saudi Arabia and Iran and helped broker a rapprochement between the two countries in 2023. Beijing has also condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi airports.
Houthis Seek Greater Weapons Independence
The Houthis have expanded their weapons capabilities over the years, using ballistic missiles and long-range drones against regional targets, including Israel. Iran has been a key source of weapons designs and components, but analysts say the group is increasingly turning to wider international supply networks.
The extent of the group’s ability to manufacture the reported missile system remains uncertain. However, the findings highlight concerns that access to specialised foreign components could strengthen its capacity to develop longer-range weapons and threaten targets across the region.
