Hwasong-20
The Hwasong-20 is a North Korean solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile. First revealed in September 2025 at a press report, Hwasong-20 is considered by North Korean state media as "the most powerful nuclear strategic weapon". Its first appearance was on 10 October 2025, during a military parade.
Description
The Hwasong-20 is officially called "next-generation" ICBM by the state-owned Korean Central News Agency. Although detailed specifications remain little known, Hwasong-20 is described to be a three-stage, solid-fueled missile, estimated to have a wider body diameter than Hwasong-19. According to information and photos from North Korean state media, the Hwasong-20 will use the same -thrust engine and 11-axle TEL as its predecessor. The engine, which is manufactured using carbon fiber composite, has about 40 percent more thrust than the Hwasong-18.Hwasong-20's estimated range is, meaning it can theoretically reach all territories of the United States. It also features a blunt warhead, suggesting the missile is MIRV-capable, capable of evading United States's missile defenses. The estimated payload capacity is more than two metric tonnes, including a possible number of six to eight re-entry vehicles.
The missile uses an advanced guidance system, using inertial guidance system combined with GPS or optical sensors to increase accuracy, with an estimated circular error probable of. South Korea's Joint [Chiefs of Staff (South Korea)|Joint Chiefs of Staff] alleges that North Korea may have received Russian technology assistance and support to develop Hwasong-20.
History
North Korea first mentioned Hwasong-20 on 2 September 2025 at a press report. According to North Korean state media, between 2023 and 2 September 2025, the Hwasong-20's engine underwent eight static firing tests. Later, on 8 September 2025, the Missile Administration and a chemical materials research center jointly conducted the ninth and last ground test of this engine. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the test. North Korean state media claimed the engine to produce a thrust of. This engine test suggested that the launch of Hwasong-20 may take place soon.Hwasong-20 made its public debut on 10 October 2025, during a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea. In this parade, North Korea called Hwasong-20 as "the most powerful nuclear strategic weapon". It is possible that these missiles were mock-ups, as North Korea's MIRV technology has not been verified.
After the 10 October 2025 military parade, it was revealed that the Hwasong-20 was displayed during the "Defense Development-2025" military exhibition, opened on 4 October 2025. Originally, the missile and its associated TEL were assessed to be Hwasong-19.