A new report indicates that Yemen's Houthi rebels are developing advanced medium-range ballistic missiles utilizing components supplied by China, significantly escalating their missile campaign and posing a broader threat to the region.

A new report indicates that Yemen's Houthi rebels are developing advanced medium-range ballistic missiles utilizing components supplied by China, significantly escalating their missile campaign and posing a broader threat to the region.

A new report indicates that Yemen's Houthi rebels are developing advanced medium-range ballistic missiles utilizing components supplied by China, significantly escalating their missile campaign and posing a broader threat to the region.

As the Houthis intensify their missile campaign against Saudi Arabia, a new report suggests that the Yemen-based rebel group is developing its own advanced medium-range ballistic missiles using components supplied by China.

Citing data from UK-based arms monitor Conflict Armament Research (CAR), The Wall Street Journal reported that the Houthis are attempting to develop their own version of Iran’s Kheibar Shekan, a precision-guided ballistic missile considered one of Tehran’s most advanced weapons.

The missiles could reportedly have a range of up to 1,200 miles (2,000 kilometres), potentially placing all of Saudi Arabia and Israel within striking distance.

According to the report, Yemeni authorities intercepted two shipments from a Chinese supplier destined for the Houthis in 2025. The consignments reportedly contained missile-related components concealed among other goods.

“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,” Fabian Hinz, a senior analyst at CAR, told The Wall Street Journal.

The extent of the Houthis’ progress in developing their missile production programme remains unclear. UN reports have identified China as the largest source country for seized shipments destined for the rebel group.

The intercepted components reportedly included custom-made metal parts for missiles, including motor and airframe components, as well as fins designed to stabilise the missile during flight. The shipments also contained components associated with the solid-propellant rocket motor of a Kheibar Shekan-series missile.

Iran has been using Kheibar Shekan missiles to target the US assets across the Middle East. The missile is known for their precision and comparatively low production costs, making them a significant component of Tehran’s arsenal.

Meanwhile, the Houthis have intensified their attacks on Saudi Arabia over the past week, launching multiple strikes targeting Riyadh’s international airport that reportedly killed at least 18 people.

In the latest attack, the rebels also struck the headquarters of Saudi state-owned oil giant Aramco, damaging offices used by the company’s chief executive and other senior officials.