| 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) |
| Warhead | Nuclear warhead MIRV-capable |
| Propellant | solid-fueled (all three stages) |
Operational range | At least 15,000 km (9,300 mi) |
Launch platform | 11-axletransporter erector launcher (TEL) |
TheHwasong-19[a] (Korean: 《화성포-19》형;lit. Mars Artillery Type 19) is aNorth Korean solid-fueledintercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). First tested on 31 October 2024, Hwasong-19 is an evolution ofHwasong-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.
| Images of the Hwasong-19 | |
|---|---|
 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-axletransporter 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 theHwasong-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 accommodateMIRVs 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 thecontiguous United States.[2][3]
The Hwasong-19's length is estimated to be at least 28 m (92 ft), longer than Hwasong-18 andRussia'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]
According to information released by North Korean state media on 2 September 2025, Hwasong-19 is equipped with a "new-type solid-fuel engine using the composite carbon fiber material", which has a thrust of 1,960 kN (440,000 lbf). This engine also powers the newerHwasong-20.[5]
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-fueledHwasong-17.[3]
North Korea has claimed the missile to be "perfected" and the world's strongest missile.[1][6]
According to theSouth Korean military, Hwasong-19 may be a result of a military cooperation between North Korea andRussia.[7]
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.[8]
North Korean leaderKim 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.[9] Hwasong-18 was unveiled in February 2023 military parade.[10] During 2023, Hwasong-18 was test-fired three times, on 13 April, 12 July and 18 December.[11][12][13]
According to North Korean state media, Hwasong-19's engine underwent eight static firing tests, the first of which occurred in 2023. These tests were conducted between 2023 and 2025.[5]
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.[14]
Hwasong-19 made its public debut on 31 October 2024, with a flight test.[6][15] 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][16]
North Korea displayed Hwasong-19 at the "Defence Development-2024" military exhibition, held in late-November 2024.[17][18]
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 ofOkushiri 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 andhis daughter oversaw the test. | [1][2][19][20][21] |
