Qasef-K2 / Ababil-T
HESA / Houthi Manufacturing · Iran / Yemen (Houthi)
The Qasef-K2 (Striker-K2) is an Iranian-designed one-way attack drone deployed extensively by Yemen's Houthi movement against Saudi Arabian and UAE targets and, since October 2023, against commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Derived from the Iranian Ababil-T airframe, it is a twin-boom monoplane powered by a small piston engine and guided by GPS or inertial navigation, carrying a 30–45 kg warhead. Despite its relatively simple construction, the Qasef-K2 has scored hits on Saudi Aramco facilities, UAE airport areas, and Saudi air defense radar sites — disrupting civilian infrastructure and demonstrating the strategic reach of asymmetric drone warfare.
Since the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023, Houthi forces have dramatically escalated drone and missile attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes, forcing major carriers including Maersk, CMA CGM, and BP to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope. The Houthi arsenal has expanded to include longer-range variants such as the Samad-3, capable of reaching Tel Aviv, and anti-ship versions with radar-homing or optical terminal guidance. US and UK strikes using Tomahawk cruise missiles and F/A-18 airstrikes have degraded Houthi launch infrastructure but not eliminated the threat, revealing the fundamental asymmetry: a $20,000 drone can force a $2B container ship to add 14 days to its voyage.
Specifications
- Wingspan
- ~9.8 ft (3 m)
- Range
- ~930 mi (1,500 km) for Samad-3 variant
- Warhead
- 30–45 kg
- Guidance
- GPS / INS
- Speed
- ~100 mph (160 km/h)
- Unit Cost
- ~$10,000–30,000
Origin
TypeLoitering Munition
StatusActive
CountryIran / Yemen (Houthi)
ManufacturerHESA / Houthi Manufacturing