| Hwasong-12A (presumed) | |
|---|---|
| Type | Medium-range orintermediate-range ballistic missile |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2022–present |
| Used by | Korean People's Army Strategic Force |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 2021 |
| Specifications | |
| Length | About 14.5 m (48 ft) |
| Warhead | Maneuverable reentry vehicle (MaRV) |
| Engine | Liquid-propelled engine |
Operational range | Over 2,000 km (1,200 mi) |
| Maximum speed | Mach 10 (12,300 km/h) |
Launch platform | 6-axleTEL |
TheHwasong-12A (Korean: 《화성-12가》형;lit. Mars Type 12A) is presumed to be the official designation of aNorth Korean single-stage, liquid-fueled, hypersonic ballistic missile. Unofficially known inSouth Korea asHypersonic Missile Type 2 (극초음속 미사일 2형),Hwasong-12A was revealed in October 2021. First test-fire of the missile occurred on 5 January 2022.
| Images of theHwasong-12A | |
|---|---|
 Launch of the missile | |
| At the 25 April 2022 military parade |
The missile is believed to be aHwasong-12-basedmedium-range orintermediate-range ballistic missile, with an estimated length of about 14.5 m (48 ft).[1][2][3] However, after the missile's public debut, South Korean researchers initially assessed the missile to be an anti-aircraft missile withmaneuverable reentry vehicle (MaRV) payload.[4] Its assumed range is over 2,000 km (1,200 mi).[5]
The shape of the reentry vehicle (RV) is totally different fromHwasong-8, this having a conical shaped RV. It suggests that North Korea is trying to develop two different types of hypersonic missiles.[6] The MaRV is mounted on a shortened Hwasong-12 booster.[7] From this point of view, American researcherJeffrey Lewis assessed that conical shape of this missile's warhead seems to be a maneuvering reentry vehicle that has high maneuverability. Also he claimed that framing this missile into 'hypersonic' may mislead to focus speed of this missile.[8] Technically speaking, the missile can be classed as hypersonic, as it exceeds Mach 5 in speed, stays within the atmosphere during the entire flight, and is able to conduct at least one maneuver that deviates from the initial flight direction.[9] However, the shape and relatively modest turning maneuvers demonstrated are more consistent with an MaRV than aboost-glide vehicle (BGV) like the Hwasong-8's RV; although comparatively less maneuverable, an MaRV is a simpler design.[10]
North Korea first tested MaRVs in 2017, with theKN-18 andKN-21 [ko] (United States's designations), the modified versions with a maneuverable reentry vehicle ofHwasong-6 andHwasong-5 respectively.[11][12][a] North Korea claimed successful launch test of KN-18 on 28 May 2017 since it hit the target with only 7 m (23 ft) error.[11]
In October 2021, this missile was first displayed in "Self-Defence 2021" military exhibition betweenHwasong-12 andPukguksong-5.[14] At the same event, photos of TEL and launching tests of this missile was also shown on the board with blurred name tag. This name tag suggests this missile already has official designation, as North Korean double arrow brackets (《》) used for missile name designation was shown on the name tag.[15]
On 5 January 2022, North Korea tested the missile. Since North Korean naming convention uses "hyŏng" (형;lit. type) instead of "ho" (호;lit. number), South Korean researchers unofficially named this missile asHypersonic Missile Type 2. This missile was also shown in Self-Defence-2021 besides Hwasong-12.South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff publicized that actual distance of the missile trajectory was less than 700 km (430 mi), but the velocity was about Mach 6. After the official briefing one anonymous official asserted that this missile only has MaRV technology that theHyunmoo-2C has, and the terminology 'hypersonic' does not match this missile. TheJapanese Defense Ministry's initial assessment suggested that the missile flew 500 km (310 mi), while the day after the launch theKCNA reported that it made a 120 km (75 mi)-long lateral movement before hitting a target 700 km (430 mi) away. This could account for the range discrepancy if the glider separation happened at low altitude and so was not picked up by Japanese sensors.[16][17][18][19]
Just days after the first test, on 11 January 2022, North Korea launched this missile for the second time.[20]Kim Jong Un observed the test and KCNA reported it involved a hypersonic glide vehicle, which after its release from the rocket booster demonstrated "glide jump flight" and "corkscrew maneuvering" before landing 1,000 km (620 mi) away. South Korea's JCS claimed the missile flew 700 km (430 mi) at a maximum speed of around Mach 10; although they had claimed North Korea exaggerated the details of their previous test, with this one they stated it had demonstrated "more advanced capability" compared to the last test, though how was not explained. While observers believe North Korea is still years away from developing a credible hypersonic system, Kim's attendance and state media's description of the launch as a "final test-fire" could indicate that the weapon may be operational deployed relatively soon.[21] Japanese tracking data showed the missile turned sharply before landing in the sea, suggesting it was a hypersonic ballistic missile, as North Korea described it.[22]
During a military parade on 25 April 2022, North Korea displayed sixHwasong-12A missiles. However, these missiles were not officially named.[2][23]
The designation "Hwasong-12A" was first suggested by German expert Norbert Brügge.[24] In an article published by theBulletin of the Atomic Scientists in July 2024, this designation was suggested to be the official name for the missile; however, it remains unconfirmed.[7]
| Attempt | Date | Location | Pre-launch announcement / detection | Outcome | Additional notes | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 January 2022 | Chagang Province | None | Success | TheKorean Central News Agency announced that the test was successful, with the missile making a 120 km (75 mi) lateral movement and "precisely" hitting a set target 700 km (430 mi) away. However, officials in South Korea's defense ministry mentioned that the KCNA's announcement was "exaggerated". Antony Blinken, the then-United States Secretary of State, condemned the launch. This is the second test-fire of a hypersonic missile by North Korea, after the September 2021 test. | [25][26][27] |
| 2 | 11 January 2022 | Chagang Province | None | Success | South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff sais that the missile had flew 700 km (430 mi) with an apogee of 60 km (37 mi) at a maximum speed of around Mach 10 before landing. However, theKorean Central News Agency claimed the missile flew 1,000 km (620 mi) before hitting the sea target. Japanese Minister of DefenseNobuo Kishi described the missile as hypersonic, as North Korea described it.Kim Jong Un andKim Yo Jong came to watch the missile launch. It was Kim Jong Un's first visit of a missile test launch site in 661 days. | [28][29][30] |
American astronomer and astrophysicistJonathan McDowell claimed that theHwasong-12A was used for following tests on these dates (Pyongyang time):[31]
According to Jonathan McDowell, four of five tests were carried out to test reconnaissance satellite components.[31]
Some experts conclude that the geometry of the Hwasong-5's (KN-18) manoeuvrable re-entry vehicle (MaRV) is similar to that of the US mobile intermediate-range ballistic missile Pershing II.
