Yemen's Houthis Likely Received Russian Near-Hypersonic Naval Missiles

An investigation by Sheba Intelligence ruled out the possibility that the Ansar Allah (Houthi) group obtained hypersonic missiles, given the technical and technological complexities associated with manufacturing this type of weapon.

The investigation which will be published later, found that only three countries possess this type of weapon: Russia, China, and North Korea.

 However, the investigation suggested that the Houthis obtained Russian anti-ship missiles that are close to hypersonic missiles in speed. The accuracy of such a type of missile can cause damage to American and British battleships and aircraft carriers.

The investigation pointed out that Iran, which supports the Houthis, does not possess the hypersonic missile, adding that Russia would not risk transferring the technology of this weapon to Iran or the Houthis for fear of its exposure to hostile countries such as the United States.

The investigation did not rule out that the Houthis' announcement of possessing hypersonic missiles comes within the framework of propaganda and the media war accompanying the current battle taking place with the American, British, and European naval forces.

The investigation indicated the Houthis received Russian naval missiles, which have been used in the Red Sea battle to exhaust the U.S. and its allies. According to the investigations,  Syria obtained the Russian P-800 Oniks (Yakhont) missile in a 2011 purchase from Russia. In 2017, M-302 short-range ballistic missiles were smuggled from Syria to the Houthi group, which later called them Badr-1 and Badr-P. The missiles were used to target Yemeni government-controlled cities and the southern borders of Saudi Arabia.

 This type of missile is described as one of the best naval missiles in the world. It can be launched from a moving platform or from a small ship, and it is close to being hypersonic.

The investigation stated that the Houthi possession of this type e of missile would facilitate the precise targeting of American and British battleships,  causing enormous damage to aircraft carriers.

It concluded, "The Houthi possession of the Russian naval missiles can enable the group to target ships and battleships on the African coast in the other direction of the Yemeni coast, ships in the Indian Ocean, and ships heading to the Cape of Good Hope."