A new report by Conflict Armament Research finds that Houthi forces in Yemen continue to rely on Iranian components for advanced missiles and drones, despite years of sanctions and an arms embargo imposed in 2015. Investigators documented weapons parts seized in June 2025 that were linked to at least ten missile systems, including anti ship, surface to air, and ballistic missiles. Many of the components carried Iranian designations rather than Houthi names, indicating ongoing external supply.
The findings show that while the Houthis assemble the weapons locally, key parts and technical guidance originate abroad. Electronic components produced within the past two years suggest that supply networks remain active and capable of delivering newly developed systems. Investigators also found standardized labeling on missile parts, likely intended to guide assembly inside Yemen.
More than 800 missile and drone components were traced to companies based in at least 16 countries, though some parts were counterfeit and their exact origins remain under investigation. The report notes that only a small percentage of documented components were directly linked to Iranian production, underscoring Iran’s reliance on foreign sourced technology. Overall, the research highlights the Houthis’ expanding arsenal and the resilience of the supply chains supporting it.

