The Yemeni government forces have for the first time used the SKYWASP drone, a Saudi-made unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), in strikes against Houthi positions around Sanaa, the capital city controlled by the Houthis. According to Sheba Intelligence, the drone was used in attacks on military positions in the mountains surrounding the city on September 18. The SKYWASP drone is reportedly inspired by the Iranian Shahed drone family.
The strikes targeted Houthi military systems, including air defense systems, weapon depots, and missile and drone installations. A military source cited by Sheba Intelligence said the operations began before dawn and continued throughout the day. Residents reported hearing anti-aircraft fire as drones flew over the capital and its surroundings. The use of the SKYWASP drone was confirmed after videos showed the UAV flying over Sanaa during the day.
According to Sheba Intelligence, the SKYWASP drone is a long-range attack drone, not a reconnaissance drone. The targets of the strikes were located around Ayban and Nuqum, two highlands overlooking the capital. This is not the first time the SKYWASP drone has been mentioned; an investigation in August established that drones presented by the Yemeni Ministry of Defense as "Ayban" and "Nuqum" corresponded to the SKYWASP model.
The SKYWASP drone is developed by SR2Vector, a joint venture between Saudi Arabia's SR2 Defense Systems and the US company Vector. The project aims to develop local production of military systems in Saudi Arabia using US technology. A protocol between the two companies was signed on March 25, 2026, to localize the manufacture, assembly, and maintenance of "attritable" drones in Saudi Arabia.
The SKYWASP drone has a range of approximately 1,500 kilometers, can fly at speeds of 150-200 km/h, and carries an explosive payload estimated to be between 30-50 kilograms. Its integration into the Yemeni government forces expands their capabilities beyond tactical drones used for reconnaissance, fire correction, or close-range strikes.
The Yemeni authorities and the Houthis had not officially confirmed the strikes at the time of publication. Sheba Intelligence was unable to independently verify the extent of the damage or confirm which systems were destroyed. The drone's flight over Sanaa may have also been used to observe the Houthi air defenses, according to an expert cited by Sheba Intelligence.
The use of the SKYWASP drone marks a new capability for the Yemeni government forces, which have been supported by a coalition led by Saudi Arabia. The conflict in Yemen has been ongoing for several years, with the Houthis controlling large parts of the country, including the capital Sanaa. The situation remains volatile, with frequent clashes and airstrikes reported.
Key points
- The SKYWASP drone has a range of approximately 1,500 kilometers and can carry an explosive payload of 30-50 kilograms.
- The drone was used in strikes against Houthi positions around Sanaa, marking the first confirmed combat use of the SKYWASP drone.
- The SKYWASP drone is developed by SR2Vector, a joint venture between Saudi Arabia's SR2 Defense Systems and the US company Vector.
