Analysis New Technologies in Houthi Drones

On February 13, 2025, the National Resistance forces, led by Presidential Leadership Council member Tareq Saleh and based on Yemen’s Red Sea coast, announced the seizure of a smuggled shipment of military equipment intercepted en route to the Houthi group (Ansar Allah). The shipment included devices and equipment that suggest the Houthis are working to enhance their drone capabilities by integrating new and previously unused technologies—or at least technologies not widely deployed. Specifically, these include jet engine technology and first-person view (FPV) systems, both of which have the potential to significantly amplify the scale of threat anticipated in any future local or regional escalation.

Jet Engines

Among the items seized, the National Resistance forces showcased several jet engines, which, judging by their dimensions and external characteristics, are presumed to be either the P500-PRO-S or the P550-PRO-S^[1] models produced under the JetCat brand. Although the interdiction of jet engines intended for the Houthis is not unprecedented, it is noteworthy in that the specifications of these particular models differ from any seized previously or known to be used by the group. The following table provides a comparative analysis of the weight, dimensions, and thrust of the new engines relative to those models.^[2]

The engines seized in the latest shipment are considerably smaller and substantially less powerful than those typically employed in cruise missiles. Indeed, their dimensions render them unsuitable for this type of deployment. Nonetheless, these engines surpass the size and power of those typically used in surface-to-air missiles, albeit not by enough to warrant developing a new model.^[3] It is therefore reasonable to infer that the engines could be incorporated into unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) used by the group. Until now, all known Houthi UAVs have exclusively relied on piston engines for propulsion, according to UN Panel of Experts reports.

This potential shift is consistent with indications suggesting that Tehran and its allies are increasingly moving their attention to this technology. Notably, reports have surfaced indicating that Russia intends to rely more extensively on Iranian drones equipped with jet engines in Ukraine.^[4] However, the drones deployed there use different engines from those discovered in the recently seized shipment.

Drones powered by jet engines are up to four times faster than those powered by piston engines. This enhances their ability to evade air defense systems and reach their targets, whether during tactical battlefield operations or swarm attacks on strategic objectives. While jet-powered drones are sometimes compared to cruise missiles, and may not necessarily have a higher success rate, they offer a comparable advantage due to their lower cost.^[5] Their affordability allows for a greater number of attacks, thereby increasing the likelihood of successfully bypassing air defense systems and reaching intended targets.

First-Person View Technology

First-person view (FPV) drones are defined as unmanned aerial vehicles that provide their operators with real-time video-feed access to the drone’s flight trajectory and surrounding environment. The term specifically refers to a class of drones characterized by their simple design and low cost, which were primarily employed for civilian purposes before the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Since then, a growing phenomenon has emerged involving the modification and utilization of these drones for military applications, particularly for conducting tactical strikes against enemy positions, vehicles, and personnel along front lines.

Among the seized items, the National Resistance forces showcased a collection of DJI MAVIC3 drones, classified as FPV drones and widely used in the war in Ukraine. The National Resistance forces also displayed TARANIS X9D control systems, which are used to operate FPV drones, as well as several related surveillance and tracking systems.

The available evidence indicates that the Houthis aim to deploy FPV drones on a large scale and are preparing to counter the potential use of the same technology by adversaries. Although the Houthis already enjoy a clear advantage over their local adversaries in terms of drone capabilities, the group’s extensive use of this technology in future hostilities could result in an unprecedented shift in the balance of power. This shift could be further exacerbated now that pro-government forces no longer receive air support from the Saudi-led coalition and lack adequate drone defense systems.

Implications

In this context, Houthi drone advances could have serious repercussions in any future escalation, whether at the local or regional levels. Success in advancing their military capabilities might embolden the Houthi group to adopt more rigid positions in negotiation or undertake extreme escalatory actions. These developments pose a substantial threat to the prospects of achieving peace in Yemen, will inevitably exacerbate the suffering of the Yemeni people, and will continue to put regional security and maritime navigation at risk.

There are reports that the Houthis have flown traditional jet aircraft over areas controlled by the internationally recognized government. But amongst the domestic players, traditional jet aircraft have assumed—and will likely continue to assume—a largely symbolic role, given the logistical challenges involved in operating and maintaining them and the technical limitations that hinder their effective deployment on the battlefield. Recent developments in drone technology warrant greater attention than such claims, as unmanned aerial vehicles have played—and will continue to play—a significant and impactful role in Houthi military capabilities.

This analysis is part of a series of publications produced by the Sana’a Center and funded by the government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The series explores issues within economic, political, and environmental themes, aiming to inform discussion and policymaking related to Yemen that foster sustainable peace. Any views expressed within should not be construed as representing the Sana’a Center or the Dutch government.