Houthis Allegedly Modify Iranian Air-Defense Weapons Into Loitering Missiles

Yemen's internationally recognized government has alleged that the Iran-backed Houthis have modified Iranian air-defense systems into loitering cruise missiles, potentially creating a new threat to civilian aviation and shipping around Yemen and the Red Sea.

Yemen's government alleges that the Houthis have modified Iranian air-defense technology into weapons that could threaten aircraft and shipping around the Red Sea. [Photo: Vahid Reza Alaei, Mehr News Agency]

The allegation, reported by Al Jazeera, says the modified weapons were developed with assistance from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The weapons are reportedly capable of using heat-tracking technology to identify targets. However, the reported modification has not been conclusively independently verified.

Other reporting on the allegation similarly notes that direct evidence remains inconclusive, although the Houthis have demonstrated an ability to adapt and modify weapons technology.

The alleged capability could pose a risk to civilian aircraft operating over Yemen and the Red Sea because heat-seeking weapons can potentially target aircraft engines or other heat sources.

The allegations come amid continued fighting between the Houthis and Yemen's internationally recognized government, as well as continuing Houthi attacks involving missiles and drones.

Saudi Arabia has also reported intercepting Houthi-launched missiles.

The Houthis have claimed responsibility for attacks against targets in Saudi Arabia and have said they used a combination of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones.