(VIDEO) Houthi Armed Group Unveils Latest USV Named “Toofan-1,” Ready to Strike Enemy Ships
(VIDEO) The Houthi group in Yemen has developed an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) named "Toofan-1," which is likely to be used against foreign warships and commercial vessels navigating the Red Sea.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The Houthi group in Yemen has developed an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) named “Toofan-1,” which is expected to be used against foreign warships and commercial vessels navigating the Red Sea.
The group has released images and videos showing the “Toofan-1” USV targeting a ship during a recent demonstration in undisclosed Yemeni waters.
Recently, the Houthis also published a video showing an unnamed USV attacking the cargo ship M/V Tutor in the Red Sea, causing it to sink shortly afterward.
The armed group claims the “Toofan-1” USV was developed using local expertise and is highly agile on the water’s surface.
The video was broadcast by the Houthi-affiliated television station “Masirah.”
Just a day after the M/V Tutor attack, another cargo ship, M/V Verbena, flying the Palauan flag but owned by a Polish company, was struck by two missiles fired by the Houthis.
This attack resulted in a fire and loss of control of the vessel.
Analysts note that the design of the Houthi “Toofan-1” USV closely resembles those used by Ukraine against Russian warships in the Black Sea.
According to the captions in the Houthi-released video, the “Toofan-1” USV carries approximately 150kg of explosives and can reach speeds of up to 35 knots.
The Houthi USVs are believed to use commercial boat engines for optimal performance in maritime attacks against both stationary and moving targets.
The Houthi group has experience with USVs dating back to the mid-2010s.
Throughout the Hamas-Israel conflict, they attempted several USV attacks on warships and commercial vessels but only recently succeeded in sinking the M/V Tutor.
However, the USV used in the M/V Tutor attack differs from the new “Toofan-1” model.
The guidance system for the “Toofan-1” USV remains unknown, but the Houthis are known to use GPS and video guidance systems to direct their USVs to targets.
This allows them to control the USVs from land-based locations as well as ships or boats.
The dramatic unveiling of the “Toofan-1” USV indicates that the Houthis are prepared to deploy their latest weaponry in the Red Sea, targeting American and allied warships as well as other commercial vessels.
This development highlights the increasing threat posed by the Houthis to all vessels passing through these crucial trade waters.
There is also speculation that if the Houthis possess the modern “Toofan-1” USV, Hezbollah might also have similar capabilities, ready for use if a major conflict with Israel erupts.
Two days ago, the Houthis announced that they had targeted 153 ships associated with the United States, Britain, and Israel since the start of operations supporting the Gaza Strip in November last year. — DSA
