The Yemeni armed forces showcase the capabilities of the new ‘Tempest 1’ drone boat, equipped with a 150kg warhead and high-speed capabilities, in operations against Israeli shipping in the Red Sea. The release of footage follows recent attacks on vessels, including the sinking of the ‘Tutor’ owned by Greek company Evalend Shipping Co. S.A., using similar drone boats.
Yemen Unveils “Tempest 1” Drone Boat Amid Maritime Operations
The Yemeni armed forces have released footage of a new drone boat, “Tempest 1,” deployed in maritime operations against Israeli shipping. The media bureau of Yemen’s Operations Command Center published the video on Saturday, showcasing the vessel’s capabilities. “Tempest 1” carries a 150-kilogram warhead and can travel at speeds of 35 nautical miles per hour. Designed for high-speed, maneuverability, and stealth, it targets both fixed and mobile near-sea objectives.
In a recent operation, Yemen’s military released video evidence of an attack on the vessel “Tutor,” owned by Greek company Evalend Shipping Co. S.A., using drone boats. The footage illustrates two drone boats striking and sinking the vessel in the Red Sea.
In related news, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported explosions near a ship east of the Yemeni port city of Aden on Friday. The unidentified vessel continued its journey with its crew unharmed.
Yemen’s actions come amid ongoing support for Palestinians in Gaza, aligning with the resistance against the Israeli occupation following a retaliatory strike by Palestinian groups on October 7, 2023. The Yemeni Armed Forces have stated they will persist in their attacks until the Israeli offensives in Gaza cease.
Additionally, the Houthis revealed the design of a new unmanned vessel, “Toufan-1,” sharing features similar to “Tempest 1” but with some ambiguity regarding its functionality as an underwater vehicle. Despite this, the Houthis continue to demonstrate proficiency in utilizing such drone boats for maritime threats in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
