Russian Onyx and Yakhont supermissiles may fall into the hands of the Houthis

Russia is considering the possibility of transferring modern anti-ship missiles to the Yemeni Houthis as a response to US support for Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory. This information appeared in the American press with reference to US intelligence data. Let's take a closer look at what this could mean for the region and what the potential consequences of this move are.

Technical characteristics and capabilities of anti-ship missiles

Modern anti-ship missiles, such as Onyx or Yakhont, are high-tech weapons with a range of up to 300 kilometers. They are equipped with an active radar homing head, which ensures high accuracy and efficiency in hitting naval targets. These missiles can fly at supersonic speeds and have the ability to maneuver, making them difficult to intercept by existing air defense and missile defense systems.

This type of missile could significantly enhance the Houthis' combat capabilities, especially against ships of the Saudi-led coalition. The ability to strike military and civilian ships could change the balance of power in the region and create new challenges for international shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Political and strategic implications

Transferring anti-ship missiles to the Houthis could be a significant political and military step for Russia. The move could be seen as a response to US support for Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory, demonstrating Moscow's determination to defend its interests and influence on the international stage. In turn, this could lead to further escalation of the conflict and increased tension in the region.

The US and its allies in the region, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, may view such arms transfers as a threat to their security. Considering Russia’s recently quite close relations with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, it is obvious that such measures will lead to a response from the countries of the Middle East.

The current situation

At the moment, the Houthis are actively using Iranian missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. The effectiveness of their use is quite low, however. this is quite enough to create a serious challenge for the United States, Israel and NATO.

However, experts do not rule out that the Houthis may still obtain anti-ship weapons, for example, for specific tasks - the destruction of NATO ships in the region.