Chinese Type 81 mine in Ukraine - test

Houthi Skiff-type one-way attack uncrewed surface vessel

Houthi Skiff-type one-way attack uncrewed surface vessel

24 Nov 2025

24 Nov 2025

24 Nov 2025

A Houthi (Yemeni rebel group) one-way attack uncrewed surface vessel (OWA-USV) struck a commercial ship in the Red Sea on 17th June 2024

  • A Houthi (Yemeni rebel group) one-way attack uncrewed surface vessel (OWA-USV) struck a commercial ship in the Red Sea on 17th June 2024

  • The Liberian bulk carrier MV Tutor was struck on the stern by the OWA-USV, before being struck by a missile

  • The skiff-type vessel was reportedly 5-7 m long, had a forward mounted camera and mannequins to deceive other vessels into thinking a crew is present

  • The use of a skiff was probably an attempt to blend in by disguising itself as a fishing vessel

  • This type of vessel has been seen before, during an attempted strike in March 2020, where up to four skiffs engaged the MT Gladiolus

  • The skiffs from 2020 (right) appear near identical to the skiff in the 2024 event (left), indicating a common design that is likely to be used in future

  • The Houthi group has other USVs available

METIS Links

METIS Links

METIS Links

Events: Link 1 and Link 2

Source Information *

Source Information *

Source Information *

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