Houthis Seek to Build Advanced Ballistic Missiles With Chinese Parts

Houthi militants are seeking to manufacture advanced medium-range ballistic missiles with components supplied from China, potentially extending their ability to strike across the region.

Conflict Armament Research identified equipment intended for a weapon modeled on Iran’s Kheibar Shekan precision-guided missile.

The proposed Houthi version could reach targets roughly 1,200 miles away, covering all of Saudi Arabia and Israel.

The findings suggest the Yemeni group is acquiring the means to manufacture more sophisticated weapons domestically. How far that effort has progressed remains uncertain.

Seizures Reveal Manufacturing Effort

The report, reviewed by The Wall Street Journal ahead of publication, draws on information Yemeni authorities provided in July about two shipments intercepted the previous year.

The shipments concealed missile-related goods among other cargo.

Investigators identified specially manufactured metal components for missile structures and motors, along with stabilizing fins and parts associated with a Kheibar Shekan-series solid-propellant motor.

The shipments also contained production tools, testing equipment, and raw materials, including material used to shield missile sections from extreme heat.

Shipping records identified a Chinese precision-metal manufacturer that markets custom aerospace components. Conflict Armament Research did not disclose the company’s name.

Fabian Hinz, a senior analyst at the organization, told The Wall Street Journal that the imports suggested “there is a possibility that they are already manufacturing.”

However, the concealment of Houthi weapons facilities makes it difficult to establish whether production is underway or attempts have succeeded.

A More Capable Weapon

Iran unveiled the Kheibar Shekan in 2022. The mobile missile can maneuver to complicate interception, making it more effective than other Iranian weapons, according to the supplied reporting.

Analysts and officials say some variants have a separating warhead section that adjusts its course during the final approach.

Iran used the missile against American bases during its war with the U.S. last spring, with some successful strikes, the Journal previously reported.

Henry Thompson, formerly an expert on the U.N.’s Yemen sanctions panel, said evidence indicated that Chinese components for solid-fuel ballistic missiles had been reaching the Houthis for at least two years.

Such weapons could carry larger payloads deep into Saudi territory than drones or cruise missiles. “They are going to be a more potent threat,” he said.

Diversifying Beyond Iranian Supply

The procurement effort reflects a broader shift in Houthi weapons capabilities. Iran previously supplied missiles for the group to assemble, while Tehran and Hezbollah provided years of support.

Mohammed al-Basha, founder of Washington-based advisory firm Basha Report, said the Houthis had developed local manufacturing, broadened procurement networks, and gained operational experience.

He also cited their use of artificial intelligence in drone and missile software.

Chinese companies account for the largest share of intercepted goods destined for the Houthis, according to U.N. reporting and arms-research data.

Most of the group’s drone-parts suppliers sanctioned by the U.S. are based in China.

Beijing says it complies with the U.N. arms embargo on the Houthis. Although some intercepted items had possible civilian applications, others were specifically intended for missiles.