Hwasong-19
Hwasong-19 | |
---|---|
Type | Intercontinental ballistic missile |
Place of origin | North Korea |
Service history | |
In service | 2024-present |
Used by | Korean People's Army Strategic Force |
Production history | |
Manufacturer | North Korea |
Specifications | |
Length | At least 28 m (92 ft)[1] |
Warhead | Nuclear warhead MIRV-capable |
Propellant | solid-fueled (all three stages) |
Operational range | At least 15,000 km (9,300 mi)[2] |
Launch platform | 11-axle transporter erector launcher (TEL) |
The Hwasong-19[a] (Korean: 《화성포-19》형; Hancha: 火星砲 19型; lit. Mars Artillery Type 19) is a North Korean solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). It was first tested on 31 October 2024.
North Korea has claimed the missile to be "perfected" and the world's strongest missile.[3][4]
Description
[edit]Images of the Hwasong-19 | |
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Maiden flight | |
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.[3][5]
The Hwasong-19's 11-axle TEL uses 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.[2]
According to 38 North, Hwasong-19 has a longer body and larger diameter than the Hwasong-18, so Hwasong-19 have more solid propellant than its predecessor, therefore, its flight time and apogee increased 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),[2] allows it to reach targets anywhere in the contiguous United States.[5]
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.[1]
North Korea planned to use Hwasong-19 along with Hwasong-18 as its "primary core means in defending".[3][5] It is possible that Hwasong-19 is intended to replace the liquid-fueled Hwasong-17.[2]
History
[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.[6]
Hwasong-19 made its public debut on 31 October 2024, with a flight test.[4][7] 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.[3][8]
North Korea displayed Hwasong-19 at the "Defence Development-2024" military exhibition, held in late-November 2024.[9][10]
List of tests
[edit]Attempt | Date | Location | Pre-launch detection | Outcome | Additional notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
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.[5] | 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.[5][11] 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).[3][12] Kim Jong Un and his daughter oversaw the test.[3] |
See also
[edit]Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b 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 2025-01-31.
- ^ a b c d 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 2025-01-31.
- ^ a b c d e f g "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 2024-12-02.
- ^ 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 2024-11-03.
- ^ a b c d e Diepen, Vann H. Van (5 November 2024). "North Korea Tests New Solid ICBM Probably Intended for MIRVs". 38 North. Retrieved 2024-12-02.
- ^ Zwirko, Colin (8 September 2024). "North Korea reveals new, larger ICBM under development". NK News. Retrieved 2024-12-31.
- ^ Sang-Hun, Choe (30 October 2024). "North Korea, in the Spotlight Over Ukraine, Launches a Long-Range Missile". The New York Times. Retrieved 2025-01-22.
- ^ "ICBM Test-fire Conducted in DPRK". Korean Central News Agency. 31 October 2024. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
- ^ Zwirko, Colin (22 November 2024). "Kim Jong Un shows off new drones and ICBMs at arms expo, rejects talks with US". NK News. Retrieved 2025-01-24.
- ^ "From drones to ICBMs, North Korea showcases its might at arms expo". The Hankyoreh. 25 November 2024. Retrieved 2025-01-24.
- ^ "【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 2024-12-02.
- ^ Yim, Hyunsu (1 November 2024). "North Korea says record test was new Hwasong-19 intercontinental ballistic missile". Reuters. Retrieved 2025-01-22.