Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis are building their own version of Iran's Kheibar Shekan ballistic missile. The components come from Chinese suppliers. The Wall Street Journal reported the findings, citing new research by Conflict Armament Research, an independent monitor based in the UK. The planned weapon would fly roughly 2,000 kilometers, or about 1,200 miles.
That range would bring every part of Israel within reach of Yemen.
The research draws on information that Yemeni government authorities handed over in July. That information came from two shipments the authorities intercepted in 2025. In both, missile equipment had been hidden among other goods.
The seized cargo included custom-made metal components for the missile's motor and airframe. It also held stabilizing fins and parts of a solid-propellant rocket motor from the Kheibar Shekan series. Investigators recovered tools, testing equipment and raw materials as well. Among them was ablative material, which protects sections of a ballistic missile from the extreme heat it generates. Some of the imports could have civilian uses, but others were made specifically for missile production.
