Hwasong-11D
The Hwasong-11D is a North Korean single-stage, solid-fueled tactical ballistic missile. First unveiled in April 2022 with a flight test, Hwasong-11D is a smaller version of Hwasong-11A, with a smaller size and a shorter range. Hwasong-11D is reported to be entered mass production.
Description
Missile
Hwasong-11D is the smaller variant of Hwasong-11A, with a shorter range and smaller size. It has the same general structure as its baseline version and Hwasong-11B. It is also claimed to be the ground-based version of a submarine-launched ballistic missile first tested on 19 October 2021, later identified as Hwasong-11S. Its range, which is estimated to be, led Hwasong-11D to be classified as a close-range ballistic missile. It is smaller than the operational range of Hwasong-11A and similar to the Hwasong-11. It is assessed that Hwasong-11D could be a counterpart to the South Korean's KTSSM, especially the role. The launches were accompanied with a statement, associating them with the development of tactical nuclear weapons. Hwasong-11D follows a near-ballistic trajectory, with approximately apogee. This low apogee, combined with its short flight time and terminal maneuverability, makes it difficult for traditional missile defense systems to detect and intercept. Moreover, the missile’s improved accuracy reduces the number of missiles required to attack the target. Also, Hwasong-11D can have better survivability against missile defenses if the missile is equipped with smaller and lighter tactical nuclear warheads and retaining the Hwasong-11A's maneuverability, thus allowing it to threaten shorter range targets.As a missile that was developed to "enhance the effectiveness of tactical nuclear operation", Hwasong-11D is claimed to be capable of carrying a payload. The payload can be a conventional, high-explosive or chemical warhead. The missile can also be armed with the Hwasan-31 tactical nuclear warhead.
Similar with Hwasong-11B, Hwasong-11D appears to be based on United States's ATACMS, with the North Korean missile having newer technology, longer range and more accuracy.
Assuming a weight of, it is possible that Hwasong-11D can be carried by Korean People's Army Air Force's Harbin H-5/Ilyushin Il-28 after necessary modifications.
Launcher
Basic type
According to North Korea, the Hwasong-11D missile system, including the launcher, was personally designed by Kim Jong Un as a "new pivotal attack weapon" of North Korean forces. The launcher is a three-axle truck, estimated to be long and wide. Each basic-type launcher can deploy up to four Hwasong-11D missiles.Modular type
During a military parade held on 10 October 2025, North Korea unveiled a modular three-axle launcher of Hwasong-11D. A HIMARS-like vehicle, it has two modules, each of which can carry a single Hwasong-11D missile, or 240 mm multiple rocket launcher. However, it is unlikely that the Hwasong-11D missiles carried by the modular-type launcher are nuclear-armed.History
Hwasong-11D made its public debut on 16 April 2022, with a flight test. At the time of debut, the missile's official designation was unknown. Nine days later, on 25 April 2022, North Korea displayed Hwasong-11D during a military parade; however, North Korea also did not name the missile.Further test-fires of Hwasong-11D occurred on 2 November 2022 and on 9 March 2023. Between these test-fires, North Korea displayed Hwasong-11D during a military parade on 8 February 2023.
The missile’s official name was revealed in the KCNA's report on the new Hwasan-31 nuclear warhead in late March 2023. Despite this, in its 2024 appearances, North Korea only described Hwasong-11D as "tactical ballistic missile" without mentioning official name directly.
List of tests
According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, since 2022, Hwasong-11D has been test-fired at least nine times.Unconfirmed tests
According to member states of the United Nations Security Council, some of the eight ballistic missiles fired on 5 June 2022 could be the then-unnamed Hwasong-11D.Operational use
At least 45 Hwasong-11D TELs were visible in the KCNA report of Kim Jong Un's inspection to an unnamed missile launcher factory on 8 and 9 January 2024. The report said that the factories had "deployed new weapon types and equipment to the first-line large combined units and major missile units", suggests Hwasong-11D is operational.On 14 May 2024, Kim Jong Un visited another unnamed factory. Around 99 Hwasong-11D TELs were visible. Three days after the inspection, North Korea conducted another test-fire of Hwasong-11D.
North Korea held a ceremony to send 250 Hwasong-11D launchers to the frontline military units at the Inter-Korean border on 4 August 2024. The ceremony took place in Pyongyang and was attended by Kim Jong Un.