Yemeni Air Force

The Yemeni Air Force, as a unified national military institution, has effectively ceased to exist since the outbreak of the civil war in 2014. Its assets were fragmented and largely destroyed in the initial phases of the Saudi-led intervention. Today, air power in Yemen is wielded by two main competing entities: the Houthi forces, which control the capital and former air force bases, and the internationally recognized government, whose air assets are being reconstituted with foreign support.

Before the conflict, the air force operated a mix of Soviet and American aircraft, a legacy of the unification of North and South Yemen. Its doctrine was focused on conventional warfare and counter-insurgency. It was used extensively against the Houthi insurgency prior to 2014, notably during Operation Scorched Earth, where it proved effective in targeting enemy positions despite some accidents and aircraft losses.

The Houthi forces have effectively developed an asymmetric air capability. Lacking conventional combat aircraft, their doctrine centers on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and ballistic and cruise missiles for strategic effects. These systems are used to conduct strikes deep into Saudi Arabia and the UAE, target maritime traffic in the Red Sea, and challenge adversary air interdiction efforts. These operations demonstrate a sophisticated capacity for strategic planning, intelligence, and coordination.

The internationally recognized government’s air arm operates under significantly different conditions. After its original air bases and assets were lost, the force is being rebuilt, reportedly with significant training and equipment support from the United Arab Emirates. Based out of locations like Al Anad Air Base, its capabilities are primarily focused on providing close air support to ground forces in operations against the Houthis. Its operational capacity and strategic doctrine are heavily influenced by its coalition partners. Meanwhile, Houthi forces are consistently improving their ballistic missile and drone technologies.