Over the past decade, the Houthis have dramatically expanded their military reach, firing advanced drones and missiles at targets up to 2,600 kilometres away and disrupting global trade through the Red Sea, one of the world’s most vital maritime corridors.
While international efforts have focused on intercepting Iranian‑supplied weapons, the report shows the group now manufactures many of its systems inside Yemen, drawing on a diffuse network of smuggled and imported components stretching across the Indian Ocean. This decentralised supply chain has made the movement highly resilient, even after major strikes by the US, Israel and regional actors in 2024–25.
The report highlights that only a coordinated, multistate response could meaningfully constrain the Houthi arms programme – an increasingly unlikely prospect amid geopolitical tensions and inconsistent international engagement. Without such cooperation, the group’s growing capabilities will continue to threaten Yemen, the region and global trade.
This report was first published on The Century Foundation’s website.
On 10 February, an online launch event brought together lead investigator Peter Salisbury and moderator Thanassi Cambanis of Century International for a lively discussion of the report’s findings.
This episode of Order from Ashes podcast by Century International, Peter Salisbury reports on his recent trip to the Gulf, new developments in the Yemen war, and the spread of drone and missile technology.