by Our Correspondent in Doha
The ongoing conflict in the Red Sea has taken a dangerous turn as the US military engages with the Houthis in Yemen. In a bold counterstrike, the Houthis launched a missile and drone barrage targeting the USS Harry S. Truman carrier task force, signaling their intent to resist American intervention. As the conflict escalates, US forces are set to encounter a formidable array of offensive and defensive capabilities possessed by the Houthis.
One of the most significant threats posed by the Houthis is their growing fleet of drones. Among their advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is the Yafa, a large aircraft-style drone with a range of 2,600 kilometers, stealth features, and the ability to carry a 20 to 50-kilogram explosive payload. The Samad series, including the Samad-3 and Samad-4, adds to the Houthi drone arsenal, with ranges reaching up to 2,000 kilometers and payloads of up to 50 kilograms. Additionally, the Qasef-1 and Qasef-2K provide a low-cost kamikaze drone option with over 100 kilometers of range, while the Wa’aed loitering munition bears resemblance to the Iranian Shahed-136, carrying a 50-kilogram warhead at speeds of up to 185 km/h. Furthermore, the Mirsad-1 and Mirsad-2 surveillance drones, based on reverse-engineered Boeing RQ-21 Blackjack technology, enhance their reconnaissance capabilities.
Missile technology also forms a crucial component of the Houthi arsenal. The Palestine-2 hypersonic missile is particularly concerning, boasting a 2,150-kilometer range, a Mach 16 top speed, and a 500-kilogram payload with maneuvering capabilities. Other hypersonic weapons, such as the Hatem-2, can reach speeds of Mach 5 to 8 with an operational range between 150 and 385 kilometers. The Burkan mobile missile series, derived from Soviet Scud technology, has a 1,000-kilometer range and can carry a 250-kilogram warhead, while the Karrar solid-fuel missile can reach 300 kilometers with a 500-kilogram payload.
In the realm of cruise and anti-ship missiles, the Houthis have deployed the Quds-4, a long-range cruise missile with a 2,000-kilometer range, though its payload remains undisclosed. Other maritime threats include the Moheet, a guided anti-ship missile derived from Soviet V-750 technology, and the Asef-2, which has a range of 450 kilometers and can carry a 500-kilogram warhead. The Soviet-made P-15 Termit, with a 40-kilometer range and a 454-kilogram warhead, remains in their inventory, alongside the Mandab-2 maritime cruise missile, which carries a 165-kilogram warhead over a 300-kilometer range.
In addition to their offensive firepower, the Houthis have developed a dense and integrated air defense network capable of posing serious threats to enemy aircraft. Their systems include inherited and upgraded Soviet-era 2K12 Kub/Kvadrat, also known as ‘Fater-1,’ as well as S-75 and S-125 surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems. The use of pickup truck-mounted R-60 missiles, Strela and Igla man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS), ZU-23 anti-aircraft cannons, and advanced radar technologies add to their layered air defense capabilities. These systems have already demonstrated their effectiveness, reportedly downing multiple US MQ-9 Reaper drones, as well as helicopters and fighter jets, including the Blackhawk, Apache, F-15, F-16, Tornado, and Typhoon aircraft.
As the US deepens its involvement in Yemen, it faces a well-armed adversary with a sophisticated mix of drone, missile, and air defense capabilities. The Houthis have continuously refined their arsenal, making them a significant force in the ongoing regional conflict. The coming weeks will likely see intensified confrontations as the US attempts to neutralize this growing threat while navigating the complexities of the Yemeni battlefield.
