Hwasong-9
The Hwasong-9 is a North Korean single-stage, liquid-fueled medium-range ballistic missile.
Description
The Hwasong-9 is an advanced version of Hwasong-6 with a longer, lighter and wider body to storing more propellants. The Hwasong-9's estimated length, diameter and mass are, and respectively. The missile's transporter erector launcher is a MAZ-543 truck with four axles. It also has a separable warhead that is separated after engine burnout to improve the trajectory stability and reduce the radar signature.As an enlarged, extended-range version of Hwasong-6, it can exchange payload for greater range. The Hwasong-9 is capable of travelling with a reduced payload of and enlarging the propellant tanks. It is a single-stage, road mobile missile that can employ a high-explosive, submunition, chemical, or potentially miniaturized nuclear warhead with a CEP. Its range allows the North Korean military to strike anywhere on the Korean peninsula and threaten areas of Japan. It is possible that Hwasong-9 is nuclear-capable.
History
Reportedly, North Korea began developing Hwasong-9 in 1991 and could start production from 1994.Reports suggest Syria received these missiles in 2000, enabling them to target all of Israel and southeastern Turkey, including Ankara. Syria also converted its own Hwasong-6 production line in order to make the Hwasong-9.
According to the United Nations, since 2008, North Korea has assisted Syria in development of manoeuvrable vehicles for Hwasong-9.
Hwasong-9 was test-fired in September 2016 and March 2017.
In 2024, Hwasong-9 was reported to be used during Russian invasion of Ukraine from November 2023.
According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, as of 2025, North Korea is possessing "some" Hwasong-9 launchers.