Houthis building advanced missiles using Chinese parts

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 09:32 · Archive

The Houthis are developing ballistic missiles using Chinese-supplied components, according to weapons researchers.

Conflict Armament Research, which studies weapons and their supply chains, has found that the Houthis are developing advanced ballistic missiles using Chinese-supplied components. The parts include custom metal missile components such as motors, airframes and stabiliser fins, as well as solid-propellant rocket motor parts belonging to Iran's Kheibar Shekan-series missile, according to the group's analysis.

The components originated from a Chinese precision-metal producer. Yemeni authorities discovered evidence of the shipments when they intercepted two ships last year that concealed missile equipment under cargo supplies. Fabian Hinz, senior analyst at Conflict Armament Research, told the Wall Street Journal that 'when you have imports like that, there is a possibility that they are already manufacturing or that they are trying and it doesn't really work out'.

The Houthi-produced version of the missile, under its current design, would have a range of 1,200 miles, putting all of Saudi Arabia and Israel within reach. The Daily Mail reports that the Kheibar Shekan is known for being cheap, mobile and precise, capable of maneuvering out of the way of missile defences and reaching speeds of up to 6,000 miles per hour. It remains unclear how far along the Houthis are in the production process, as their weapons facilities are well-disguised. The development demonstrates how much autonomy the Houthis have gained after decades of relying on Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah for weapons.

How it is being reported

• Houthis 'have started producing their own advanced missiles using Chinese parts'The Houthis have begun producing their own advanced ballistic missiles using Chinese parts, according to a new report.Daily Mail · 15 Oct, 09:17
• Houthi terrorists are building advanced missiles that can reach Israel with Chinese parts: reportThe Houthi rebels are developing their own advanced ballistic missiles -- that could reach Saudi Arabia and Israel -- using Chinese-delivered parts, according to an unnerving new report.New York Post · 14 Oct, 22:01

In this story: Houthis · China · Israel · Saudi Arabia · Iran · Conflict Armament Research · Yemen

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