Hwasong-19

  1. Home
  2. Wiki

Hwasong-19
TypeIntercontinental ballistic missile
Place of originNorth Korea
Service history
In service2024–present
Used byKorean People's Army Strategic Force
Production history
ManufacturerNorth Korea
Specifications
LengthAt least 28 m (92 ft)
WarheadNuclear warhead
MIRV-capable
Propellantsolid-fueled (all three stages)
Operational
range
At least 15,000 km (9,300 mi)
Launch
platform
11-axle transporter erector launcher (TEL)

The Hwasong-19[a] (Korean: 《화성포-19》형; lit. Mars Artillery Type 19) is a North Korean solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). First tested on 31 October 2024, Hwasong-19 is an evolution of Hwasong-18 with a longer range and a heavier payload. Hwasong-19 has been claimed by North Korean state media as the world's strongest missile.

Description

[edit]
Images of the Hwasong-19
image icon Maiden flight
image icon At the "Defence Development-2024" military exhibition

Based on the images and information from the 31 October 2024 maiden flight, it was determined that Hwasong-19 is a three-stage, solid-fueled missile, cold-launched on an 11-axle transporter erector launcher.[1][2]

The Hwasong-19 appears to be larger than its predecessor. It uses a 11-axle TEL that utilizing a unified hull-cover design. The canister cover is hinged at the bottom and fixed to the hull, while the cover open, it does not fall to the ground and remains connected to the TEL. This design may have been intended to save resources or to serve combat purposes, as well as to camouflage the mobile launcher as not launched to deceive the opponent. The missile's body is longer and wider than the Hwasong-18, therefore, Hwasong-19 has more solid propellant than its predecessor, causing its flight time and apogee to increase by 13 minutes and 1,100 km (680 mi), respectively. Also, due to its increased diameter and heavier payload, Hwasong-19 can accommodate MIRVs made in the 1960s. Its long range, which is estimated to be at least 15,000 km (9,300 mi), allows it to reach targets anywhere in the contiguous United States.[2][3]

The Hwasong-19's length is estimated to be at least 28 m (92 ft), longer than Hwasong-18 and Russia's mobile ICBMs. However, its large size could limit its deployment area and mobility, making it vulnerable to detection by US and South Korean intelligence before it can be fired and making it a priority target for enemy's preemptive strikes.[4]

North Korea planned to use Hwasong-19 along with Hwasong-18 as its "primary core means in defending".[1][2] It is possible that Hwasong-19 is intended to replace the liquid-fueled Hwasong-17.[3]

North Korea has claimed the missile to be "perfected" and the world's strongest missile.[1][5]

According to the South Korean military, Hwasong-19 may be a result of a military cooperation between North Korea and Russia.[6]

History

[edit]

Early plans for a solid-fueled ICBM and revelation of Hwasong-18

[edit]
Further information: Hwasong-18

North Korea displayed two types of missile canister during a military parade occurred in April 2017, suggesting the existence of solid-fueled missile projects, including a solid-fueled ICBM.[7]

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un mentioned solid-fueled ICBM for the first time in January 2021 when it was included as part of a five-year arms development plan.[8] Hwasong-18 was unveiled in February 2023 military parade.[9] During 2023, Hwasong-18 was test-fired three times, on 13 April, 12 July and 18 December.[10][11][12]

Revelation of Hwasong-19

[edit]

During a Kim Jong Un's visit in September 2024, North Korea revealed a 12-axle transporter erector launcher (TEL). This suggests the development of a new ICBM larger than previous missiles.[13]

Hwasong-19 made its public debut on 31 October 2024, with a flight test.[5][14] North Korea officially confirmed the launch on the same day of the launch. Initially, North Korea did not reveal the missile's official name; it was revealed a day after the test-fire.[1][15]

North Korea displayed Hwasong-19 at the "Defence Development-2024" military exhibition, held in late-November 2024.[16][17]

List of tests

[edit]

There has been one known test so far:

Attempt Date Location Pre-launch detection Outcome Additional notes References
1 31 October 2024, 7:11 a.m. Pyongyang Standard Time Around Pyongyang South Korean military detected the preparation of the launch the day before, with the placement of missile and setup of the mobile launcher. Success Japanese data shows the ICBM flew for 86 minutes with about 1,000 km (620 mi) range and over 7,000 km (4,300 mi) apogee, landing 200 km (120 mi) west of Okushiri Island, Hokkaido, Japan. According to North Korea, the missile flew for 85 minutes and 56 seconds with 1,001.2 km (622.1 mi) range and 7,687.5 km (4,776.8 mi) apogee. The first test of Hwasong-19 broke the apogee record for a North Korean missile test (as of November 2024).

Kim Jong Un and his daughter oversaw the test.

[1][2][18][19][20]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Officially called Hwasongpho-19.[1]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f "Crucial Test Demonstrating DPRK's Definite Reaction Will and Absolute Superiority of Its Strategic Strike Capability - Test-fire of DPRK's Latest-type ICBM Hwasongpho-19 Successfully Conducted under Guidance of Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un". Korean Central News Agency. 1 November 2024. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d Diepen, Vann H. Van (5 November 2024). "North Korea Tests New Solid ICBM Probably Intended for MIRVs". 38 North. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  3. ^ a b Thu Thủy (5 November 2024). "Khám phá tên lửa liên lục địa "mạnh nhất thế giới" Hwasong-19 của Triều Tiên" [Discovering North Korea's "world's most powerful" intercontinental ballistic missile Hwasong-19]. VietTimes (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 31 January 2025.
  4. ^ Phạm Giang (4 November 2024). "Tên lửa 'mạnh nhất thế giới' có thể giúp Triều Tiên tăng răn đe Mỹ" ['World's most powerful' missile could help North Korea increase US deterrence]. VnExpress (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 31 January 2025.
  5. ^ a b Kim, Hyung-Jin; Kim, Tong-Hyung (1 November 2024). "North Korea boasts of 'the world's strongest' missile, but experts say it's too big to use in war". Associated Press. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
  6. ^ "S. Korean Military: Hwasong-19 a New Kind of Missile, Support from Russia Cannot Be Ruled Out". KBS World. 11 November 2024. Retrieved 16 July 2025.
  7. ^ "Viewbook of DPRK missiles" (PDF). Open Nuclear Network. 7 October 2020. p. 23. Retrieved 16 July 2025.
  8. ^ Kim, Tong-Hyung; Kim, Hyung-Jin (14 April 2023). "N. Korea says it tested new solid-fuel long-range missile". Seoul: Associated Press. Retrieved 16 July 2025.
  9. ^ "Hwasong-18". Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance. April 2023. Retrieved 16 July 2025.
  10. ^ Zwirko, Colin (14 April 2023). "North Korea says it tested 'Hwasong-18' solid-fuel ICBM for first time". NK News. Retrieved 14 April 2023.
  11. ^ Choi, Soo-Hyang; Smith, Josh (13 July 2023). "North Korea says longest test launch was latest Hwasong-18 ICBM". Reuters. Retrieved 16 July 2025.
  12. ^ Lưu Gia Huy (19 December 2023). "Hình ảnh ông Kim Jong Un cùng con gái theo dõi buổi phóng tên lửa Triều Tiên" [Images of Kim Jong Un and his daughter watching North Korea's missile launch]. Báo Xây dựng (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 16 July 2025.
  13. ^ Zwirko, Colin (8 September 2024). "North Korea reveals new, larger ICBM under development". NK News. Retrieved 31 December 2024.
  14. ^ Sang-Hun, Choe (30 October 2024). "North Korea, in the Spotlight Over Ukraine, Launches a Long-Range Missile". The New York Times. Retrieved 22 January 2025.
  15. ^ "ICBM Test-fire Conducted in DPRK". Korean Central News Agency. 31 October 2024. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
  16. ^ Zwirko, Colin (22 November 2024). "Kim Jong Un shows off new drones and ICBMs at arms expo, rejects talks with US". NK News. Retrieved 24 January 2025.
  17. ^ "From drones to ICBMs, North Korea showcases its might at arms expo". The Hankyoreh. 25 November 2024. Retrieved 24 January 2025.
  18. ^ "【お知らせ】北朝鮮のミサイル等関連情報" [(Notice) Information related to North Korea's missiles]. Japanese Ministry of Defense (in Japanese). 31 October 2024. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  19. ^ Yim, Hyunsu (1 November 2024). "North Korea says record test was new Hwasong-19 intercontinental ballistic missile". Reuters. Retrieved 22 January 2025.
  20. ^ Đại Hoàng (1 November 2024). "Ảnh ông Kim và con gái giám sát phóng 'tên lửa chiến lược mạnh nhất'" [Photos of Kim [Jong Un] and his daughter supervising the launch of the 'most powerful strategic missile']. Znews (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 5 June 2025.