Hwasong-19

The Hwasong-19 is a North Korean solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile. First tested on 31 October 2024, Hwasong-19 is an evolution of Hwasong-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.

Description

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-axle transporter erector launcher.
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 the Hwasong-18, therefore, Hwasong-19 has more solid propellant than its predecessor, causing its flight time and apogee to increase by 13 minutes and, respectively. Also, due to its increased diameter and heavier payload, Hwasong-19 can accommodate MIRVs made in the 1960s. Its long range, which is estimated to be at least, allows it to reach targets anywhere in the contiguous United States.
The Hwasong-19's length is estimated to be at least, longer than Hwasong-18 and Russia'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.
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. This engine also powers the newer Hwasong-20.
North Korea planned to use Hwasong-19 along with Hwasong-18 as its "primary core means in defending". It is possible that Hwasong-19 is intended to replace the liquid-fueled Hwasong-17.
North Korea has claimed the missile to be "perfected" and the world's strongest missile.
According to the South Korean military, Hwasong-19 may be a result of a military cooperation between North Korea and Russia.

History

Early plans for a solid-fueled ICBM and revelation of Hwasong-18

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.
North Korean leader Kim 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. Hwasong-18 was unveiled in the February 2023 military parade. During 2023, Hwasong-18 was test-fired three times, on 13 April, 12 July and 18 December.

Revelation of Hwasong-19

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.
During a Kim Jong Un's visit in September 2024, North Korea revealed a 12-axle transporter erector launcher. This suggests the development of a new ICBM larger than previous missiles.
Hwasong-19 made its public debut on 31 October 2024, with a flight test. 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.
North Korea displayed Hwasong-19 at the "Defence Development-2024" military exhibition, held in late-November 2024.

List of tests

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.		Japanese data shows the ICBM flew for 86 minutes with about range and over apogee, landing west of Okushiri Island, Hokkaido, Japan. According to North Korea, the missile flew for 85 minutes and 56 seconds with range and apogee. The first test of Hwasong-19 broke the apogee record for a North Korean missile test. Kim Jong Un and his daughter oversaw the test.