Hwasong-11C
The Hwasong-11C is a North Korean single-stage, solid-fueled short-range ballistic missile. It was first displayed during a military parade on 14 January 2021. As the larger variant of Hwasong-11A, Hwasong-11C has a heavier warhead compared to its baseline version. North Korean state media claimed that the Hwasong-11C's warhead is. First test of Hwasong-11C occurred on 25 March 2021.
Hwasong-11C also has a larger version with a warhead, which was first tested on 1 July 2024.
Description
Hwasong-11C is the enlarged variant of the Hwasong-11A, with a closely similar design. The missile's range is estimated to be about. It also has an aeroballistic trajectory, made it harder for missile defenses to intercept. The estimated length and diameter of Hwasong-11C are about and respectively. The solid-fueled rocket engine likely has an extra segment. It is also fitted to a longer TEL with five axles and an additional two sections. The nose cone is similar in shape to the Hwasong-11B.Based on information from the 25 March 2021 test, it appears that Hwasong-11C is longer and have a more conical nose compared with the base version. North Korea claimed the missile to be equipped with a warhead. According to 38 North, such a large warhead weight is almost certainly exaggerated. It is possible that such a large payload claim could be using for propaganda purpose, intended to give the impression that North Korea is keeping pace with their adversary's missile advancements, as the South Korean Hyunmoo-4 has a warhead and the Hwasong-11C was proclaimed as the world's largest warhead weight. The new weapon would be able to almost completely cover South Korea from its launch site. If it can perform as claimed by North Korea, the weapon would be a powerful bunker buster weapon. United Nations Security Council member states have questioned whether the 2.5-tonne warhead claim could refer to the entire weight of the missile after burnout, not just the warhead weight.
According to a member state of the UNSC, if Hwasong-11C is equipped with a lighter payload, the missile can have a longer range and become a medium-range ballistic missile.
Alongside with heavy warhead, Hwasong-11C is also claimed to be capable of carrying the Hwasan-31 tactical nuclear warhead.
History
Hwasong-11C made its public debut on 14 January 2021 in a military parade. At the time of public debut, six Hwasong-11C launchers were seen, each launcher had two missiles. North Korea did not name these missiles.Hwasong-11C had its maiden flight test on 25 March 2021, and a further test-fire occurred on 28 September 2022. Between two test-fires, Hwasong-11C was displayed in the "Self-Defence 2021" military exhibition, as well as the 25 April 2022 military parade, when twelve Hwasong-11C missiles were displayed. Like the March 2021 tests, North Korea also opted to not disclose the missile's official designation in these appearances.
The missile's official name was revealed in the KCNA's report on the new Hwasan-31 nuclear warhead in late March 2023.
According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, as of 2025, North Korea is possessing more than six Hwasong-11C launchers. These launchers are assessed as "in test" by the IISS.
List of tests
Unconfirmed tests
Member states of the United Nations Security Council alleged that the then-unnamed Hwasong-11C was test-fired on 25 May 2022 and 5 June 2022.Variants
Hwasong-11C-4.5
The 4.5 tons warhead version of Hwasong-11C, called Hwasong-11C-4.5 is named after its 4.5-ton warhead.Description
Hwasong-11C-4.5 is capable of carrying a warhead, an increase from the warhead of the baseline Hwasong-11C. It is nine times heavier than Hwasong-11A's payload mass. This payload capacity focuses on countering larger targets, such as military bases, aircraft carriers and strategic infrastructures. It is developed due to the introduction of a Hyunmoo ballistic missile variant with super-large warhead by South Korea.Hwasong-11C-4.5 can be launched from a road-mobile TEL, which is capable of carrying two missiles. Its range is estimated from to, depending on payload capacity. It can flew in a quasi-ballistic trajectory, with a flight altitude of. The missile uses a guidance system that is the combination of INS and satellite navigation, thus reducing CEP to. The solid-fueled composite engine burns for 20–30 seconds, and the missile can achieve a speed of at terminal phase.
Assuming that the diameters of Hwasong-11C and its 4.5-ton warhead variant are similar, the Hwasong-11C-4.5 appears to be longer than its baseline version, possibly due to the lengthened missile body and heavier warhead.
History
In 2021, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un listed super-large warhead on its list of high-tech weapons that North Korea wanted to develop.On 1 July 2024, Hwasong-11C-4.5 was first test-fired. A further launch took place on 18 September 2024, after some delays from a planned launch in July.