Houthis caught trying to build Iranian-designed missiles with Chinese parts

Two shipments stopped by Yemeni authorities in 2025 carried missile-related equipment hidden among other goods, including Chinese-supplied components that Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi militants could use in an effort to build advanced medium-range ballistic missiles.

The Houthis have historically depended on Iran for medium-range and short-range ballistic missiles. The intercepted material points to an effort to make their own version of the Kheibar Shekan, an Iranian precision-guided ballistic missile unveiled in Tehran in 2022.

Conflict Armament Research examined the seized materials after receiving information from Yemeni authorities. The group said the equipment matched components associated with the Kheibar Shekan series.

The consignments included custom-made metal parts for a missile motor and airframe, stabilising fins, and components of a solid-propellant rocket motor. Authorities also seized tools, testing equipment and raw materials, including heat-resistant ablative material used for the missile.

A Kheibar Shekan has a range of up to 1,200 miles, placing Saudi Arabia and Israel within reach.

Fabian Hinz, a senior analyst at Conflict Armament Research, said the imports did not establish whether production had succeeded. “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.”

Hinz said the extent of the programme remains uncertain because Houthi weapons facilities are well camouflaged.

The Kheibar Shekan is a solid-fuel, medium-range missile that can remain fuelled and be loaded quickly on to trucks or other launch vehicles. Iran has used Kheibar Shekan missiles with a range of at least 1,400 kilometers in strikes against US assets across the Middle East.

The findings suggest the Houthis may be building a domestic capacity to manufacture weapons rather than relying entirely on supplies from Tehran and its regional allies. That prospect comes as Houthi fighters have intensified regional attacks recently.

China says it is complying with the UN arms embargo on the Houthis. The Wall Street Journal reported the development on Wednesday, citing new data from the UK-based independent monitor Conflict Armament Research.