00:20a new missile threat could be emerging in the middle east and this time the focus is on yemen's
00:27iran-backed houthi movement according to a report by the wall street journal citing new findings
00:34from uk-based monitoring group conflict armament research the houthis are developing their own
00:41version of iran's kbar shikan ballistic missile using components imported from chinese companies
00:50and here's the detail raising the biggest concern the missile could have a maximum range of
00:56approximately 1200 miles potentially putting all of saudi arabia and israel within reach
01:04but there is an important distinction the report points to evidence of missile related components
01:09and possible production efforts it does not establish that the houthis have completed a fully
01:16operational missile with that range so what exactly has been uncovered according to the report yemeni
01:24authorities intercepted two shipments in 2025 containing equipment allegedly linked to missile
01:31production the findings were later included in an assessment by conflict armament research
01:38the materials reportedly included custom-made metal component for missile motors and airframes stabilizing
01:45fins solid propellant rocket motor parts testing equipment and specialized raw materials designed to
01:53withstand extreme heat these are not all necessarily proof of a completed weapon system some imported materials
02:02can have civilian applications but the reported presence of components specifically designed for missile
02:08production has raised serious questions about the houthis capabilities fabian hens a senior analyst at
02:16conflict armament research told the wall street journal that these imports could indicate the group is already
02:22already manufacturing missiles or attempting to do so however he also cautioned that it remains
02:29unclear how far the program has progressed partly because houthi weapons facilities are heavily camouflaged
02:36and the potential missiles iranian connection is particularly significant
02:42iran's khabar shikhan is a solid fuel medium range ballistic missile its design offers a key operational
02:50advantage unlike older missiles that require lengthy pre-launch fueling solid fuel missiles can be stored
02:58ready for use and prepared for launch more quickly they can also be transported on mobile launch platforms
03:05making it more difficult for opposing forces to locate and destroy launch sites before a missile is fired
03:13if the houthis successfully develop a comparable system it could represent a significant expansion of their
03:19strike capabilities but the reported 1200 mile range remains a projected capability not confirmation of a
03:27successful houthi missile test the development also raises questions about china china says it is respecting
03:35the united nations arms embargo on the houthis the wall street journal report however says some of the
03:42intercepted materials were specifically designed for missile production the available findings do not by
03:48themselves establish that the chinese government directly supplied the components or knowingly supported
03:55a houthi weapons program the origin intended use and supply chain behind the parts remain critical
04:02questions and the timing matters the yemen conflict is now unfolding against the backdrop of the wider
04:10u.s iran war which began with u.s israeli strikes on iran on february 28th 2026 the houthis have
04:19been
04:19fighting yemen's saudi-backed government since 2014 and any expansion of their missile capabilities could
04:26further complicate regional security iran has also offered to mediate between saudi arabia and the houthis
04:34adding another diplomatic dimension to an already volatile situation for now the central question is
04:42not simply whether the houthis possess these components it is whether they can turn them into
04:47a reliable longer-range ballistic missile if they succeed the security calculations for saudi arabia israel
04:55and other regional actors could change significantly but until the program's progress is independently
05:02established the reported range and operational capability must be treated as potential developments not
05:09confirmed facts subscribe to one india and never miss an update download the one india app now
