The Houthis Unveil A New Unmanned Surface Vehicle Called “Toofan-1”
The Iranian-backed Houthi movement in Yemen recently unveiled a new unmanned surface vehicle (USV) that it claims was developed indigenously to attack military and commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The design and capabilities of the new small drone boat, known as the “Toofan-1,” were revealed in a video released by the press center of the Sanaa-based rebels, also known as Ansarullah.
The first part of the 2.5-minute video depicts around ten “Toofan-1” USVs displayed in a small room. At first glance, these vessels appear much smaller than the Houthis’ previous suicide boats, and they have chosen a V-shaped hull design to allow them to move faster on the water. In the video’s later seconds, a Houthi militant is seen using the Toofan-1 boat in open waters. This demonstrates that the system, which was designed for “Remote Control” applications using an outboard motor, can also be used manually. The video then shows the new suicide boat attacking an abandoned ship to showcase its capabilities.
The video concludes with an infographic displaying the Tufan-1’s alleged capabilities and technical specifications. According to these claims, the Tufan-1, which was designed with features such as high speed, maneuverability, and stealth “for nearby naval targets (fixed and mobile),” can carry a 150 kg warhead and reach a maximum speed of 35 knots.
The Houthis have made significant progress in the use of unmanned surface vehicles since 2010, thanks to technical assistance from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. The latest such attack occurred on Sunday, June 23, against the Greek bulk carrier MV Transworld Navigator. Unverified social media footage of the attack shows that the ship, which was unable to engage the bomb-laden unmanned attack boat, suffered moderate damage as a result of the collision. Following this attack, the US Central Command announced that the Transworld Navigator was struck again by a kamikaze drone, causing minor injuries and additional damage to the ship. According to the statement, the ship is still navigable and is making its way to its next port of call.
In response to Israel’s attacks in Gaza, the Houthis have either seized or attacked many commercial ships off the coast of Yemen, claiming they are owned by Israeli companies, with drones and missiles since October 31, 2023. While the Houthis’ continued reckless behavior endangers regional stability and the lives of sailors in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, the United States reiterates that it will respond harshly to these actions, along with its partners, at every opportunity.