WorldPosted at: Oct 14 2026 10:14PM


Yemen's Houthis attempting to build own variant of Iran's Kheibar Shekan ballistic missile to boost targeting capabilities

Sanaa, Oct 14 (UNI) Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi militia is attempting to develop its own version of Iran's precision-guided Kheibar Shekan ballistic missile using components sourced from Chinese companies, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal, in a bid to expand the group's ability to strike targets across the region.
Citing findings from UK-based arms-monitoring organisation Conflict Armament Research (CAR), the newspaper reported that the missile could have a range of around 1,930km, putting targets across much of West Asia within reach.
The findings were based on information provided by Yemeni authorities following the interception of two shipments in 2025 containing missile components concealed among other goods.
The seized materials included custom-made metal parts, rocket motor and airframe components, flight-stabilising fins, solid-fuel engine parts, testing equipment and raw materials used in ballistic missile manufacturing.
Investigators also identified insulating material designed to protect missile components from the intense heat generated during launch.
Iran's Kheibar Shekan missile has a reported range of at least 1,400km and has been used in attacks against American targets in West Asia, according to an earlier Wall Street Journal report citing US officials.
The missile uses solid fuel, making it easier to transport and deploy than older Iranian models that require pre-launch refuelling. Its relatively low cost and precision also make it a significant addition to Iran's arsenal.
Fabien Hinz, a senior analyst at CAR, said the intercepted components could indicate that the Houthis had begun manufacturing such missiles or were attempting to do so without yet achieving complete success.
He cautioned that the group's efforts were difficult to assess because it conceals its weapons production facilities.
The newspaper reported that China maintains its commitment to the UN arms embargo on the Houthis. However, some of the components identified in the shipments may have legitimate civilian uses, while others were specifically designed for missile production.
The Houthis, who control large parts of north-western Yemen, have fought the internationally recognised Yemeni government for years and are designated a terrorist organisation by the US. The group is also subject to a UN arms embargo.
UNI ANV CDS
Tags: #Yemen's Houthis attempting to build own variant of Iran's Kheibar Shekan ballistic missile to boost targeting capabilities
More News

Haryana Chief Minister in Sweden to court investment, tech partnerships

14 Oct 2026 | 10:39 PM

Stockholm/Panchkula, Oct 14 (UNI) A high-level delegation from India's Haryana state led by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini arrived in Sweden seeking to lure foreign investment and forge industrial partnerships in sectors ranging from defence to clean energy. .

see more..

Yemen's Houthis attempting to build own variant of Iran's Kheibar Shekan ballistic missile to boost targeting capabilities

14 Oct 2026 | 10:14 PM

Sanaa, Oct 14 (UNI) Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi militia is attempting to develop its own version of Iran's precision-guided Kheibar Shekan ballistic missile using components sourced from Chinese companies, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal, in a bid to expand the group's ability to strike targets across the region.

see more..

Ukraine suspects US deliberately withheld intelligence of Russian missile strikes

14 Oct 2026 | 9:47 PM

Kyiv, Oct 14 (UNI) Ukrainian officials suspect that the US may have deliberately withheld advance warnings of multiple Russian missile strikes this week, after Washington reportedly blamed “bad weather” for a failure in its missile-detection system, according to sources cited by CBS News.

see more..

Trump says large-scale oil, gas, mineral exploration of Greenland set to begin

14 Oct 2026 | 9:35 PM

Washington, Oct 14 (UNI) US President Donald Trump has said large-scale oil, gas and mineral exploration is preparing to begin in Greenland, reports CBS News.

see more..

Netanyahu confirms visit of Egyptian spy chief prior to Oct 7 terror attack but denies having met with him

14 Oct 2026 | 6:27 PM

Jerusalem, Oct 14 (UNI) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that Egypt's intelligence chief Abbas Kamel visited Israel days before the Hamas-led attack of October 7, 2023, though denied that the two ever met and blamed security officials for failing to anticipate the assault.

see more..