Yemen’s Houthi rebels have purportedly unveiled a new hypersonic missile, as reported by Russia’s state media outlet RIA Novosti. The claim, lacking substantiating evidence, raises concerns amid the ongoing conflict in the region, including Israel’s battle against Hamas in Gaza. Houthi officials have hinted at surprises in their maritime operations to counter the US and its allies who have successfully intercepted previous missile and drone attacks.
Simultaneously, reports suggest indirect talks between the US and Iran in Oman, signaling a potential thaw in tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and proxy attacks. Iran, a key supporter of the Houthis, claims to possess hypersonic missile technology and has supplied the group with such weaponry.
The purported hypersonic missile, boasting speeds up to Mach 8, poses a substantial threat to current air defense systems, with potential repercussions for US and Israeli interests in the area. Questions arise regarding Russia’s connections with Iran and its potential role in facilitating arms transfers, such as Iranian drones utilized in Ukraine.
“The group’s missile forces have successfully tested a missile that is capable of reaching speeds of up to Mach 8 and runs on solid fuel,” a military official close to the Houthis said, according to the RIA report.
The Houthis “intend to begin manufacturing it for use during attacks in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, as well as against targets in Israel.”
Hypersonic armaments, surpassing Mach 5 velocities, introduce distinctive obstacles to conventional missile defense systems owing to their speed and agility. The capacity of these missiles to change course mid-flight adds complexity to interception endeavors, as evidenced by recent advancements in missile capabilities.
While China and the US are also pursuing hypersonic capabilities, Russia claims to have deployed them in Ukraine, although their effectiveness remains debated. Ukraine reportedly downed a Russian hypersonic missile in May using a Patriot battery, highlighting the uncertainties surrounding hypersonic warfare.
Recent incidents, such as Houthi missile launches towards US vessels, underscore the escalating tensions and the potential implications of advanced weaponry in regional conflicts. Despite successful engagements by the US Central Command against Houthi-launched drones, the emergence of hypersonic missiles introduces new complexities to maritime security in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
