CAR report links Chinese supplies to Houthi missile manufacturing efforts

Yemen’s Houthis are attempting to manufacture a version of Iran’s Kheibar Shekan missile using Chinese components, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing research by Conflict Armament Research.

The researchers used information provided by Yemen’s government in July about two shipments intercepted in 2025. Among ordinary goods, they identified specialised missile components, materials and testing equipment.

The research points to an attempt to establish production. Finding components does not itself establish that a finished missile has been produced or deployed. The system described in the report could potentially reach targets around 1,900 kilometres away.

The Houthis are subject to a UN arms embargo. Some seized items have dual-use applications, while others are intended for missile weapons. The components’ Chinese origin does not establish involvement by Chinese government agencies.

The report comes amid fighting between the Houthis and a coalition led by Saudi Arabia. It adds information about weapons supply chains, but does not confirm that this developing system was used in recent attacks.