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Houthis uses homemade USV to destroy israeli linked vessels in Red Sea.
Since October 2023, the Yemeni group Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, has regularly attacked ships from hostile countries passing by. These attacks use anti-ship missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and unmanned kamikaze boats. Recently, one of these small vessels equipped with a combat load successfully breached a moving target and attacked it. Given the intentions and efforts of the Houthis, such incidents are likely to continue. Let's look at what happens today with those boats
The boat that participated in the attack on the cargo ship on June 12. The BEC is similar to a simple boat and is equipped with “mannequins” to simulate the crew (Picture source: OSINT sources)
Real battleship with fake crew
In late January 2017, the Saudi naval frigate Al-Madinah, which was participating in the coalition operation, was patrolling off the west coast of Yemen. While on this mission, it was attacked by kamikaze boats operated by the Houthis. One of the boats managed to breach the defenses and strike the stern of the ship. As a result, the frigate was forced to stop its combat missions and undergo moderate repairs.
According to initial information, the attack was carried out by Ansar Allah suicide attackers. However, in early February, a representative of the US Navy suggested that an unmanned boat (BEC) with a demolition charge might have been involved in the attack. Despite this, the available documents could not confirm this version and all circumstances of the attack remained unknown.
Subsequently, the first evidence of BECs in Yemen appeared. Several of these specimens were spotted and photographed at sea during later attempts to attack coalition ships.
In October 2023, the Houthis launched an operation aimed at countering military and commercial navigation from hostile countries in the Red Sea. They attack ships and vessels passing by using missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).
On December 18, the first report that the Houthis were using an unmanned attack boat (UAC) as well as other means was recorded. However, the exact results of this attack are still unknown. It was reported that one of the ships was hit and a fire broke out, but it is not exactly known what hit it.
In the following months, several other similar attacks occurred, successful or not. The last known episode occurred on June 12, when the Houthi BECs attacked the Greek cargo ship Tutor, sailing under the Liberian flag. The boat hit the stern of the ship and prevented it from moving. Then another BEC attacked the central part of the hull, resulting in the flooding of the target.
The testimony of the participants in this incident indicates the use of an unmanned kamikaze boat. This is the first confirmed success of the Houthi BEC.
Not all attacks are successful. Some boats have been destroyed by enemy fire, while others have not been able to reach their targets for technical reasons. For example, in January, one of the Houthi BECs was found in good condition on the west bank of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Foreign experts neutralized it and carefully studied it to determine all the characteristics of such a threat.
It is evident that the Houthis will continue to attack passing ships and vessels using all available means, including the disposable BEC strike. It is not known whether their share in the total number of attacks will increase. There are no accurate statistics on the use of boats, so it is difficult to make even approximate forecasts. But it is clear that they will not be abandoned.
In recent attacks, the use of curious camouflage has been observed: simple silhouette mannequins are installed on boats. With their help, they try to convince the enemy that there are people on board - until the last moment, it should not understand that the boat is unmanned and poses a threat.
In response to the escalating situation, Operation "Crabe" was launched between January 30 and February 8, 2024, deploying tracked vehicles HT 270 for the first time to combat illegal gold mining. Previously, the 3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment (3 REI) relied on Bandvagn 206 (BV 206) vehicles. The decision to integrate HT 270 vehicles, acquired through the Union of Public Procurement Groups and militarized by Technamm, reflects a strategic shift in tackling the challenge posed by illegal mining activities.
The HT 270, equipped with a 169hp diesel engine and capable of carrying up to 16 infantrymen, marks a significant upgrade in mobility and firepower. Its deployment during Operation "Crabe" underscores the military's commitment to adapt and utilize advanced technology to combat illicit activities effectively. With a maximum speed of 58 km/h and a mount for a 7.62mm MAG 58 machine gun, the HT 270 enhances the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces in confronting the complex and evolving threat posed by illegal gold mining.
Despite these efforts, the persistence of illegal mining activities fueled by high gold prices and transnational networks underscores the need for sustained and coordinated action to address the root causes of the issue and safeguard the environment and local economies in French Guyana.
Greek freighter Tutor after an attack by houthis USV. (Picture Source : Osint studies)
Economic constraints on these boats.
Yemen lacks developed military enterprises, so the Ansar Allah movement faces limitations in the field of equipment and weapons. Even though foreign aid has partially helped solve this problem, the overall situation remains difficult.
For this reason, Houthi combat units are forced to use only the types and weapon systems currently available. These are often compromise solutions. The unmanned boats used today are a good example of this.
The BECs made in Yemen are characterized by simple design and low cost, which makes their construction and use more affordable. They are very effective and can reach their targets.
However, from a combat quality standpoint, these boats are not ideal. They are prone to failure and vulnerable to enemy fire. All of this can affect their ability to achieve their goal.
It is important to note that the BEC is not the only weapon used by the Houthis to combat surface targets. With boats, they actively use missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles of various types. As a result, they have managed to create a multi-component weapon system capable of both defending the shoreline and attacking sea targets. Currently, this system and its individual components are being tested in practice.
Houthi USV spotted in 2018 patrolling in Red Sea . (Picture source : Saudi Ministry of Defense )