Houthi militants in Yemen are reportedly attempting to manufacture an advanced medium-range ballistic missile using components sourced from China, according to a recent assessment by Conflict Armament Research, a group that investigates weapons supply chains in conflict zones. The development marks a significant technological advancement for the Iran-backed group and could increase the threat to regional targets, including Israel.
The missile in question is modeled on Iran’s Kheibar Shekan precision-guided weapon, which has an estimated range of up to 2,000 kilometers. This range would enable the Houthis to strike locations across Saudi Arabia and Israel. The Kheibar Shekan, first unveiled publicly in Tehran in 2022, has been used by Iran against American military bases with some reported success during recent conflicts.
According to the report, Yemeni authorities intercepted two shipments last year containing missile components concealed among various other goods. These parts, sourced from a Chinese supplier, included custom metal missile sections, airframe components, stabilizing fins, and parts of a solid-propellant rocket motor consistent with the Kheibar Shekan design. Additionally, the shipments contained tools, testing equipment, raw materials, and ablative material used to shield missile sections from the high heat generated during flight.
The report’s findings are based on information provided by Yemeni officials in July 2026 following these interdictions. Fabian Hinz, a senior analyst at Conflict Armament Research, noted that while it is unclear how far the Houthis have progressed in missile production due to the camouflage of their weapons facilities, the presence of these imports suggests either ongoing manufacture or attempts to develop the capability.
The Kheibar Shekan missile is considered more effective than other Iranian-made missiles due to its precision guidance and maneuverability capabilities. Its warhead section can detach during the final flight phase and use a small engine to alter its trajectory at speeds reaching approximately 9,600 kilometers per hour.
Experts suggest the Houthis have become increasingly self-reliant in weapons production after years of dependency on Iran and Hezbollah for missile supplies. Mohammed al-Basha, founder of the risk-advisory firm Basha Report, stated that the group has developed domestic manufacturing expertise, including artificial intelligence applications for drone and missile systems, diversified supply networks, and strengthened relationships with regional smugglers and international procurement channels.
The Houthis are designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and remain subject to a United Nations arms embargo. Despite this, reports indicate growing support from Chinese entities. Data from UN sources and arms experts reveal that Chinese companies constitute the largest source of seized goods intended for the Houthis, particularly drone parts subject to US sanctions.
Henry Thompson, a former member of the UN Yemen sanctions panel, confirmed that evidence points to the Houthis importing solid-fuel ballistic missile components from China for at least two years. Analysts view the medium-range missile capabilities as a means for the Houthis and their Iranian backers to threaten regional adversaries and critical infrastructure, such as oil shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz.
China has maintained that it complies with UN restrictions on arms sales to Yemen, asserting that some of the imported items are dual-use goods with legitimate civilian applications. However, Michael Knights, head of research at Horizon Engage, a strategic advisory firm, has criticized Beijing for failing to control the final destination of dual-use technologies, particularly given evidence of components used in Houthis’ missile programs.
The United States has previously accused a Chinese company of facilitating Houthi attacks on US vessels in the Red Sea. Shipping records reviewed by Conflict Armament Research identify a Chinese precision metal manufacturer specializing in custom aerospace parts as one of the suppliers, although the company’s name was withheld from the report.
Amid ongoing conflict and regional tensions, the expanding missile capabilities of the Houthis represent a growing security concern for Saudi Arabia, Israel, and their allies, complicating efforts to stabilize Yemen and counter Iran’s influence in the Arabian Peninsula.