Houthi military capabilities expand across Red Sea and Yemen

The Houthi movement has evolved into one of the most dangerous non-state military actors in the Middle East, significantly expanding its strategic and technological capabilities over the last decade.

Beyond basic infantry weapons, the group now possesses ballistic missiles capable of striking targets over 1,600 kilometers away, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and maritime drones. There are also indications that the group is exploring the use of artificial intelligence to design new weapon systems. While Iran remains a primary strategic and technological supporter, the Houthis have developed domestic assembly and production capabilities and established alternative supply chains through the international black market.

Geographically, the Houthis have leveraged Yemen's terrain—including mountains and caves—to create natural defenses against international airstrikes. Their recent expansion includes the seizure of islands near the Bab el-Mandeb strait, allowing them to threaten maritime traffic in the Red Sea and potentially impact regional stability near the Gulf.