The Hwasong-19 is a North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) designed to enhance the nation’s long-range deterrence capabilities. Building on advancements in North Korea’s missile technology, the Hwasong-19 adds substantial range and payload flexibility to the country’s arsenal. Recently revealed through a state news broadcast by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), it is launched from an advanced 11-axle transporter-erector-launcher (TEL), the largest of its kind in North Korea’s arsenal. This TEL’s size and capability reflect North Korea’s ability to produce mobile platforms for heavy ICBMs, underscoring the nation’s commitment to expanding and diversifying its strategic missile forces.
Country users: North Korea
Technical Data
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Launcher Unit
The Hwasong-19 is transported and launched from an 11-axle TEL, the largest and most advanced launcher in North Korea’s arsenal. This TEL configuration increases load-bearing capacity, allowing it to support the substantial weight of the Hwasong-19 missile. Its large number of axles improves off-road mobility and stability, enabling the TEL to traverse varied and rugged terrains, which increases flexibility in missile deployment and reduces vulnerability to preemptive strikes.
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Missile
The Hwasong-19 is a multi-stage, solid-fueled ICBM with an estimated range exceeding 10,000 kilometers, and potentially reaching up to 15,000 kilometers. Powered by solid fuel, the Hwasong-19 benefits from several operational advantages over liquid-fuel missiles, including the ability to be launched without time-consuming fueling procedures. This makes the missile more responsive and harder to detect, enhancing North Korea's ability to deploy it swiftly in crisis scenarios. The Hwasong-19 is designed to carry a high-yield nuclear warhead and may have the capability to deploy multiple re-entry vehicles (MRV), allowing it to deliver multiple payloads or decoys to evade missile defense systems. Alongside the Hwasong-18, which also uses solid-fuel propulsion and was first launched in 2023, the Hwasong-19 further strengthens North Korea’s long-range, solid-fuel ICBM capabilities, adding to the nation’s strategic deterrence.
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Guidance System
The guidance system of the Hwasong-19 is believed to include an inertial navigation system with potential satellite-based guidance, which could enhance its accuracy over long distances. The missile may have basic in-flight maneuvering capabilities, especially during terminal re-entry, making it more challenging for missile defense systems to intercept.
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Combat Use
The Hwasong-19’s design and solid-fuel capabilities make it a strategic deterrent and potential second-strike weapon, significantly extending North Korea’s operational range. With the mobility offered by the 11-axle TEL, the Hwasong-19 can be quickly relocated and concealed across various terrains, reducing its vulnerability to preemptive strikes and detection. By deploying alongside the solid-fuel Hwasong-18, the Hwasong-19 adds depth and flexibility to North Korea’s ICBM forces, enhancing its readiness and resilience against adversaries while underscoring the nation’s commitment to maintaining a credible, long-range deterrent.
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