Hwasong-12B
The Hwasong-12B is a North Korean single-stage, liquid-fueled hypersonic, intermediate-range ballistic missile.
Description
The Hwasong-12B is a single-stage missile, powered by a liquid-propelled engine. It is carried by 6-axle transporter erector launcher. Although Hwasong-12B has never been test-fired before, it is believed to be an intermediate-range ballistic missile, with an assumed range of over.The hypersonic glide vehicle of Hwasong-12B is mounted on a shortened Hwasong-12 booster. Compared with Hwasong-8, the HGV of Hwasong-12B has some differences in fuselage and control fins.
History
North Korea first test-fired missile with hypersonic glide vehicle in September 2021, with Hwasong-8.According to German analyst Norbert Brügge, North Korea displayed two types of hypersonic glide vehicle in a military parade on 25 April 2022.
Hwasong-12B made its public debut on 26 July 2023, during a military exhibition. At the time of debut, an information board was displayed to Kim Jong Un and Sergei Shoigu with official name. The next day, North Korea displayed four Hwasong-12B missiles at a military parade.
It is possible that the Hwasong-12B was renamed from Hwasong-8 between September 2021 and July 2023.
At least two Hwasong-12B missiles were inspected during a Kim Jong Un's visit to a missile base in late October 2024.
There has been no known test for Hwasong-12B so far, and the missile may be deployed without any flight testing.