Yemen’s Houthis pursue China-component missile project that could reduce reliance on Iranian weapons supplies

Yemen’s Houthi group is attempting to develop advanced medium-range ballistic missiles using components imported from China, potentially reducing its dependence on Iranian weapons supplies, according to a Conflict Armament Research report obtained by The Wall Street Journal.

The group imported specialized components to manufacture a version of Iran’s Kheibar Shekan precision-guided ballistic missile. The missile can reach targets approximately 1,930 km away, including anywhere in Saudi Arabia and Israel, and has maneuverable warhead technology designed to evade air defenses during its final approach.

Chinese companies have become the largest source of intercepted shipments destined for the group. Beijing maintains that it complies with the UN arms embargo.