Houthis reportedly assembling medium‑range missiles with Chinese components

A Conflict Armament Research report, cited by the Wall Street Journal, says seized components could enable a version of Iran’s Kheibar Shekan missile with a range of up to 1,200 miles.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 15 Oct 2026 06:55:03 GMT

According to a Conflict Armament Research (CAR) analysis cited by the Wall Street Journal, Houthi militants in Yemen are assembling medium‑range ballistic missiles using parts sourced from China. The components, seized by Yemeni authorities, could be used to produce a version of Iran’s Kheibar Shekan precision‑guided missile, which is estimated to reach up to 1,200 miles, potentially putting Saudi Arabia and Israel within range.

What happened

CAR’s investigation found that Chinese‑manufactured missile components were intercepted in Yemeni territory last year when authorities stopped two ships carrying concealed equipment. The parts include custom‑metal missile sections that match those used in Iran’s Kheibar Shekan, a weapon first displayed in 2022 and employed in recent attacks on U.S. forces in the region.

What the reports add

News18 notes that the seized components could enable the Houthis to build a version of the Kheibar Shekan, emphasizing the potential to strike both Saudi Arabia and Israel. The New York Post adds that the analysis suggests the missiles could soon have a 1,200‑mile reach, echoing the Wall Street Journal’s claim about the range. Both outlets reference the same CAR study but differ in phrasing; News18 describes the missiles as “advanced medium‑range ballistic missiles,” while the New York Post calls them “advanced ballistic missiles” that could “mimic Iran’s Kheibar Shekan.”

What was said

CAR’s findings were reported by the Wall Street Journal, which said the seized components “could be used to produce a version of Iran’s Kheibar Shekan precision‑guided missile.” News18 quoted the same report, stating the missiles “could reach Israel and Saudi Arabia.” The New York Post repeated the Wall Street Journal’s description, adding that the missiles “could reach 1,200 miles, putting all of Saudi Arabia and Israel within reach.”

How it came about

Earlier this month, Felo News reported on a Houthi missile that wounded four people in Riyadh after debris fell from intercepted cruise missiles (Saudi‑Houthi missile injuries in Riyadh, 2026‑10‑14). In September, the outlet covered a Houthi ballistic missile launch aimed at Riyadh that was intercepted (Houthi missile attack on Riyadh, 2026‑09‑20). Those incidents illustrate the growing threat posed by Houthi missile capabilities, now potentially expanded by the newly identified Chinese components.

Key facts

Conflict Armament Research found Chinese‑made missile components in Yemen that could be used to build a version of Iran’s Kheibar Shekan missile. (news18.com)
The Kheibar Shekan has an estimated range of up to 1,200 miles, capable of reaching Saudi Arabia and Israel. (nypost.com)
Yemeni authorities intercepted two ships last year carrying the concealed missile parts. (news18.com)