North Korea announces successful test of strategic cruise missile Hwasal-2.

On January 31, 2024, North Korea announced it had successfully conducted a test firing of a strategic cruise missile, raising concerns among analysts about the possibility of these weapons being supplied to Russia for use in the conflict in Ukraine. The state-controlled news agency reported that the missile, named "Hwasal-2," was launched towards the West Sea on January 30, 2024.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Launch of the Hwasal-2 strategic cruise missile. (Picture source: official North Korean Central News Agency)

Seoul's military had previously reported detecting the launch of several cruise missiles by North Korea. The official North Korean news agency, KCNA, later stated that the test aimed to verify the armed forces' capability to conduct a rapid counterattack and to enhance their strategic strike capability. The agency also reassured that the missile test did not compromise the security of any neighboring countries.

Recently, Pyongyang has actively tested a variety of advanced weapons, including what it describes as an "underwater nuclear weapon system," a solid-fuel hypersonic ballistic missile, and a new series of strategic cruise missiles, including the Hwasal-2.

It's noteworthy that the testing of cruise missiles, unlike ballistic missiles, is not prohibited by the current United Nations sanctions in place against North Korea. Cruise missiles, which are generally powered by jet engines, fly at lower altitudes compared to more advanced ballistic missiles, making them harder to detect and intercept.

North Korea has recently supplied a series of military equipment and armaments to Russia to assist in its conflict against Ukraine, suggesting that these new Hwasal-2 missiles might, in the future, be delivered to the Russian armed forces.

The Hwasal-2 is a cruise missile designed for long-range, land-attack operations, categorized as a surface-to-surface missile. Originating from North Korea, this missile has been in service since 2021 and is used by the Korean People's Army. With a length of 6 meters (about 20 feet) and a diameter ranging between 0.54 and 0.60 meters, the Hwasal-2 is equipped to carry conventional high-explosive (HE) or tactical nuclear warheads (TNW).

It is powered by a turbofan engine, a feature that contributes to its ability to cover distances of up to 2000 kilometers. This operational range allows it to target distant strategic sites, highlighting its potential role in North Korea's military operations. The development and deployment of the Hwasal-2 reflect Pyongyang's ongoing ambition to expand its force projection and strategic deterrence capabilities through long-distance strike means.

This missile test is part of a series of actions, like the North Korean artillery exercises we talked about on Army Recognition on January 9, 2024, which have contributed to the escalating tensions between North and South Korea, with Kim Jong Un identifying Seoul as a major enemy.