Al Qaria vs Remus 600: How Houthi’s New Drone Mirrors US Underwater Tech.

According to information published by Russian sources on October 29, 2024, Yemen's Houthi forces, or Ansar Allah, have introduced a new, highly lethal submersible drone, dubbed the "Al-Qaria" — a name inspired by a Koranic term symbolizing a "Great Calamity" or "Great Disaster."This innovative underwater vehicle represents the latest addition to the Houthis’ arsenal, previously consisting of ballistic missiles, aerial drones, and explosive surface vessels, all of which have already proven effective in disrupting Red Sea trade routes.
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Houthi forces unveil the Al-Qaria submersible strike drone, a new underwater threat designed to disrupt Red Sea maritime security, escalating tensions for both commercial and military vessels in the region. (Picture source: Houthi Media)

Footage released by the Houthis’ media channels over the weekend shows the Al-Qaria conducting drills, during which it swiftly skims the water’s surface before executing a precision strike on a stationary target ship. In a coordinated move, a surface drone boat then approaches to finish off the simulated damaged vessel, demonstrating a lethal combination of underwater and surface attack capabilities.

The Al-Qaria operates via remote control, guided by an onboard camera mounted on an extendable rod at the rear of the tube-shaped vessel. This feature enables the drone to survey its surroundings by briefly surfacing to gather visual bearings, after which it submerges again to evade detection. Although the footage reveals a vivid yellow-and-black color scheme, it's expected that combat-ready versions would use colors suited to the marine environment, adding to the drone’s stealth by blending into underwater surroundings.

From the footage, the drone appears relatively small, only a few meters in length, enhancing its ability to evade visual detection, especially in low-visibility or nighttime conditions. The Al-Qaria’s size and submersible nature make it challenging to detect using traditional surveillance methods, likely necessitating advanced sonar systems to track its approach. This stealthy profile positions it as a significant threat to merchant vessels and warships navigating through the Red Sea.

Analysts have observed a resemblance between the Al-Qaria and the US Navy's Remus 600 underwater reconnaissance drone, which the Houthis reportedly captured in 2018. The Remus 600, used by the US for seabed mapping and mine detection, features a bright color scheme and an extendable camera scope, similar to those seen on the Al-Qaria. However, the Houthis’ version sports unique design elements, such as a distinct propeller configuration, protective ring housing for the propeller, and a streamlined nose cone. These features suggest that the Al-Qaria was either modified from the Remus 600 to suit local capabilities or constructed from scratch, with the US design serving as a foundational reference.

The Al-Qaria’s unveiling coincided with large-scale Houthi military drills across land and sea, which a Yemeni military source described as part of "preparation and readiness for any upcoming confrontation with Washington and its tools in Yemen." The Houthis’ missile and drone capabilities have continued to evolve, attracting international attention for their increasing range and precision. Recent instances underscore their prowess: a Houthi missile narrowly missed the USS Eisenhower supercarrier last summer, while another forced the USS Gravely destroyer to deploy its Close-In Weapons Systems (CIWS) in a last-ditch attempt to neutralize the projectile.

This latest weapon could complicate security dynamics in the Red Sea. In October 2023, the Houthis launched missile and drone attacks against Israeli targets and subsequently disrupted Red Sea trade in solidarity with Gaza. The group has vowed to maintain pressure on Israel and its allies until military actions in Gaza and Lebanon cease.

The Houthis' unveiling of the Al-Qaria demonstrates a commitment to refining asymmetric warfare tactics, potentially complicating maritime security for both commercial and military vessels in the region.