Saudi-backed group Ansar Allah reportedly tests a hypersonic missile from Yemen
Reports indicate that the Shiite faction Ansar Allah has conducted a test of a highly destructive hypersonic missile in Yemen. The claim comes from RIA News, which quotes a military source closely connected to the group as saying the weapon was evaluated by the group’s missile forces.
The source described the tested rocket as capable of reaching speeds around Mach 8, equivalent to roughly 10,000 kilometers per hour, and noted that it runs on solid fuel. If accurate, this would mark a notable development in the group’s comparative arsenal and delivery capabilities, signaling advances in both propulsion and launch precision that could affect regional security dynamics.
According to the information provided, the Houthis reportedly intend to begin producing this hypersonic weapon for potential use against targets in Israel, as well as for operations in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea near Oman, and the Gulf of Aden. The prospective deployment underscores strategic aims attributed to the group, including regional influence and deterrence signaling through advanced weapon systems.
In addition to the hypersonic test, the source suggested ongoing upgrades of the Houthis’ broader missile and drone fleets. Modifications were said to include enhancements to explosive warheads, with the goal of doubling destructive power. Such claims point to a broader modernization trend within the group’s long-range and precision-strike capabilities, potentially affecting maritime security and aerial threat assessments in the region.
Separately, it has been reported by Financial Times that the Iranian-flagged vessel Beshhad, which bears the appearance of a standard cargo ship, could play a role in facilitating attacks against ships in the Red Sea, according to sources quoted by the publication. This allegation adds another layer to the broader discussion about external support networks and supply chains that influence the Houthis’ strategic options at sea.
In response to these developments, the United States and the United Kingdom have decided to intensify their campaign against the Houthis. The move aligns with ongoing international efforts to curb the group’s military capabilities and to address concerns about regional stability and maritime security in crucial waterways.
Observers note that confirmation of such capabilities often depends on multiple intelligence streams and public verification, and official statements from involved parties have ranged from cautious to ambiguous. Analysts stress the importance of corroborating sources and tracking any subsequent test data, manufacturing milestones, and deployment indicators to gauge how rapidly these weapons could reach operational readiness and what that might mean for peace and security in the wider region. Attribution: Financial Times; RIA News; related security briefings.