(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The armed Houthi group in Yemen has reportedly successfully conducted a test launch of a hypersonic missile capable of reaching speeds of up to Mach 8 (9,977 km/h) and equipped with high-explosive materials.
Military analysts assert that if these claims prove to be true, it could shift the power dynamics in the Middle East by making the Houthi armed group more formidable, particularly to its adversaries such as the United States and Israeli regime.
Some parties alleged that the hypersonic missiles possessed by the Houthi may have been supplied by Iran, a major supporter of the Houthi armed group.
Tehran has long denied allegations of supplying weapons to the Houthi group.
The Russian news agency, RIA Novosti, claims that following the successful test launch, the Houthi group plans to develop these hypersonic guided missiles for use in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and against Israel.
“A military source closely associated with the Houthi group, as reported by RIA Novosti, stated that the group’s missile forces has successfully tested a missile capable of reaching Mach 8 speeds and employing solid fuel,” said the official.
In recent weeks, the Houthi armed group has hinted at possessing a “surprise” to be used against the United States military and its allies, which have deployed warships to provide security for merchant vessels passing through the Red Sea.
Its leader, Abdul Malik al-Houthi, reportedly stated that they have surprises in store, and what America and its allies will face next is greater and more dangerous.
“Our enemies will witness strategic achievements that will place our country among capabilities possessed by few other nations in the world,” he said.
Thus far, the Houthi group has not revealed the nature of this “surprise,” but with the latest reports, it could potentially be these hypersonic guided missiles.
Possessing hypersonic guided missiles with Mach 8 speeds, as claimed by the Houthi group, would pose another challenge to the United States military and its allies.
It remains uncertain whether the United States, its allies, or Israel have air defense systems capable of intercepting any hypersonic guided missile attacks.
Last June, Iran unveiled its first hypersonic guided missile called “Fattah,” which can travel at Mach 15 speeds.
Iran claims that “Fattah,” painted all black, cannot be intercepted by any air defense system due to its extremely high speed.
Iranian authorities claim that the black-painted hypersonic guided missile “Fattah” has a range of up to 1,400 km.
Regional military observers state that the development of the “Fattah” hypersonic guided missile will further increase the concerns of the United States and Israel regarding Tehran’s missile technology capabilities.
So far, only the United States, Russia, North Korea, and China are known to have the capability to develop hypersonic guided missiles. — DSA