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Hwasong-12

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Hwasong-12
TypeIntermediate-range ballistic missile
Place of originNorth Korea
Service history
In serviceSuccessful test on 14 May 2017[1]
Used byKorean People's Army Strategic Force
Production history
ManufacturerNorth Korea
ProducedJune 2017
Specifications
Mass24.7 tons (estimated)
Height16.5 m (54 ft) (estimated)
Diameter1.5 m (4.9 ft) (estimated)
Warhead
Warhead weight500–650 kg (1,100–1,430 lb) (estimated)
EngineLiquid-propellant rocket, single chamber variant of Paektusan[2][3][4]
464.1 kN total
PropellantHypergolic combination of unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) as fuel, and either Dinitrogen tetroxide (N
2O
4)
Operational
range
3,700–6,000 km (2,300–3,700 mi) (estimated)[5][6]
Flight altitude2,111.5 km (1,312.0 mi) at lofted trajectory
Maximum speed Mach 17 (20,800 km/h; 12,900 mph; 5,780 m/s)
Guidance
system
Inertial
Accuracygreater than 5 km (3.1 mi) CEP[7]
Launch
platform
MAZ-based vehicle
Korean name
Chosŏn'gŭl
《화성-12》형
Hancha
Revised RomanizationHwaseong-12
McCune–ReischauerHwasŏng-12

The Hwasong-12 (Korean: 《화성-12》형; Hancha: 火星 12型; lit. Mars Type 12;[a] KN-17 under the U.S. naming convention)[9] is a mobile intermediate-range ballistic missile developed by North Korea. The Hwasong-12 was first revealed to the international community in a military parade on 15 April 2017 celebrating the Day of the Sun which is the birth anniversary of North Korea's founding President, Kim Il Sung.

Design

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Based on photos of the launch on 14 May 2017, the Hwasong-12 appears to be a single stage design, using a single main engine along with four vernier engines. The arrangement appears similar to the "high-thrust" engine test conducted in March 2017.[10] Alternatively, it could be based on the engine used in the older Hwasong-10 with the addition of two more verniers.[5]

Initial estimates suggest the Hwasong-12 would have a maximum range of between 3,700 kilometres (2,300 mi) with a 650 kg (1,430 lb) payload[5] and 4,500 km (2,800 mi) with a 500 kg (1,100 lb) payload,[4] to as much as 6,000 km (3,700 mi).[6] In the April 2017 military parade the Hwasong-12 was displayed on the Hwasong-10 mobile launcher, and it may be intended to replace the similarly performing Hwasong-10 which has been shown unreliable during its test program.[11][12]

List of tests

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Confirmed tests

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Attempt Date Location Pre-launch announcement / detection Outcome Additional notes
1 4 April 2017 06:12 a.m. Pyongyang Standard Time[13] Sinpo None Failure Missile was reported to travel 60 km (37 mi) with an apogee of 189 km (117 mi) and be "pinwheeled" before the flight termination.[14] Previously, it was misreported as a Scud variant.[15]
2 15 April 2017 05:51 a.m. Pyongyang Standard Time[16] Sinpo None Failure The missile, previously misreported as a Scud variant,[15] was reported to have exploded within 4, 5 seconds after launch.[17]
3 28 April 2017 05:33 a.m. Pyongyang Standard Time[18] Pukchang
39°30′27″N 125°57′52″E / 39.5076°N 125.9645°E / 39.5076; 125.9645 		None Failure Reportedly, the missile flew 40 km (25 mi) before exploding.[19]
4 14 May 2017 04:58 a.m. Pyongyang Standard Time[20] Kusong None Success Missile was fired on a lofted trajectory with apogee of 2,111.5 km (1,312.0 mi), landing 787 km (489 mi) away in the Sea of Japan.
5 29 August 2017 05:28 a.m. Pyongyang Standard Time[21][22] Sunan None Success Missile was fired on a normal trajectory with apogee of 550 km (340 mi), flew over Hokkaido in total distance of 2,700 km (1,700 mi), landed in the Pacific Ocean 1,180 km (730 mi) east of the northern Japanese island.
6 15 September 2017 06:27 a.m. Pyongyang Standard Time[23] Sunan United States intelligence detected the preparation of the launch two days before the test-fire, as North Korea began moving missile launcher.[24] Success Missile was fired on a normal trajectory with apogee of 770 km (480 mi), flew over Hokkaido in total distance of 3,700 km (2,300 mi), landed in the Pacific Ocean 2,200 km (1,400 mi) east of Cape Erimo, Hokkaido. Longest trajectory by a North Korean missile as of launch date.
7 30 January 2022 07:52 a.m. Pyongyang Standard Time Jagang None Success Missile was fired on a lofted trajectory with apogee of 2,000 km (1,200 mi), landing 800 km (500 mi) away in the Sea of Japan.[25]

Unconfirmed tests

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American astronomer and astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell claimed that Hwasong-12 was used for two failed tests on 15 October 2016 and 20 October 2016.[26]

Variants

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Hwasong-8

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Main article: Hwasong-8

On the morning of 27 September 2021, a Hwasong-8 missile was launched in Ryongrim County,[b]. Reportedly, the missile was fitted with a hypersonic glide vehicle, which would achieve hypersonic speed. Ankit Panda, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, stated that the new missile looked like the booster of Hwasong-12 upon inspection of the sole image of the missile, but more images would be needed to confirm it.[27] This was one of the five 'most important' weapons laid out in a five year plan in the 8th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea, where the development of the missile was reported to have already been completed. State media of North Korea described it as a weapon of great strategic significance.[28]

The missile apparently flew on a depressed trajectory, reaching an apogee of 30 km (19 mi) and a range of 200 km (120 mi),[27] although it is likely that a part of the missile's path would have been untraceable with radar due to its ability to maneuver.[29] The test reportedly confirmed its navigational control and stability, as well as the guiding manoeuvrability and flight characteristics of the detached hypersonic gliding warhead. However, the missile allegedly failed to actually achieve hypersonic flight, with South Korean intelligence determining it only reached Mach 2.5-3, whereas hypersonic weapons are considered to travel at a speed of at least Mach 5 (1.7 km/s; 6,100 km/h) although actual data on the flight was not publicly released.[27] The South Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) assessed that the Hwasong-8 was at an early stage of development and would take a "considerable period of time" until it could be deployed in combat.[30][31] North Korea also stated that the missile was launched through "ampulization," where the liquid fuel is sealed in the launch canister. This allows the fuel to be stored for years and eliminates the need to conduct fueling before launch, reducing preparation time needed before firing,[32] although the JCS still claimed a 'significant amount of time' was needed to deploy the missile.[27]

Hwasong-12A

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Main article: Hwasong-12A

Hwasong-8 has an version fitted with maneuverable reentry vehicle (MaRV). Its official designation may be Hwasong-12A, but it is not confirmed.[33][34] The missile is also called as Hypersonic Missile Type 2 (Korean: 극초음속 미사일 2형) under South Korean naming convention.[35]

The MaRV is carried by a shortened Hwasong-12 booster.[33]

It was tested two times, on 5 January 2022 and 11 January 2022.

2022 modified version

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At 07:23 a.m. Pyongyang Standard Time on 4 October 2022, North Korea launched a missile from Mupyong-ni Arms Factory, Jagang Province. The missile overflew the Japan's Aomori Prefecture, flew for 21 minutes with maximum speed of Mach 17,[36] reached 970 km (600 mi) apogee and landed 4,500 km (2,800 mi) away in the Pacific Ocean, east of Japan.[37][38][39] The launch was supervised by Kim Jong Un. According to North Korean state media, the missile was tested to "send more powerful and clear warning to the enemies", and the test was carried out by a "new-type ground-to-ground intermediate-range ballistic missile".[40]

Photos showed the missile with a different engine configuration and thrust-vector control system, differently shaped and possibly shorter nosecone or reentry vehicle, and possibly slightly longer second stage, so it is unknown if the test was of a "new-type" IRBM or modified Hwasong-12.[41] This version demonstrated the ability to deliver an almost 20% greater payload than previous Hwasong-12 missiles.[42]

It is possible that the image of this test was manipulated.[36][43]

Hwasong-12B

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Main article: Hwasong-12B

North Korea displayed several Hwasong-12B missiles at the 27 July 2023 military parade.[44] It is possible that the Hwasong-12B was renamed from Hwasong-8.[33]

The hypersonic glide vehicle of Hwasong-12B is mounted on a shortened Hwasong-12 booster.[33]

Current operators

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  • Estimated maximum operational range of the Hwasong-12: from 3,700 km (2,300 mi) (inner circle) to 6,000 km (3,700 mi) (outer circle)
    Estimated maximum operational range of the Hwasong-12: from 3,700 km (2,300 mi) (inner circle) to 6,000 km (3,700 mi) (outer circle)
  • Estimated maximum range of some North Korean missiles,[45] including Hwasong-12
    Estimated maximum range of some North Korean missiles,[45] including Hwasong-12
  • Trajectory of Hwasong-12
    Trajectory of Hwasong-12
  • North Korean missile launches over Japan ①: Taepodong-1 ②: Unha-2 ③: Unha-3 ④: Kwangmyŏngsŏng (Unha-3) ⑤: Hwasong-12 ⑥: Hwasong-12
    North Korean missile launches over Japan
    ①: Taepodong-1 ②: Unha-2 ③: Unha-3 ④: Kwangmyŏngsŏng (Unha-3) ⑤: Hwasong-12 ⑥: Hwasong-12
  • Diagram of Hwasong-12 and its modified version, which was tested on 4 October 2022
    Diagram of Hwasong-12 and its modified version, which was tested on 4 October 2022

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ Also called in Korean as 《화성포-12》형 (Mars Artillery Type 12).[8]
  2. ^ Initially reported as Chonchon County.

References

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  1. ^ "Kim Jong Un Guides Test-Fire of New Rocket". Korean Central News Agency. 15 May 2017. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
  2. ^ "North Korea's long range missile HS-12". b14643.eu. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
  3. ^ Ankit Panda; Vipin Narang (7 July 2017). "North Korea's ICBM: A New Missile and a New Era". The Diplomat. Retrieved 18 August 2017.
  4. ^ a b Jeffrey Lewis (20 July 2017). "North Korea's Hwasong-12 Missile: Stepping Stone to an ICBM". Nuclear Threat Initiative. Retrieved 18 August 2017.
  5. ^ a b c Savelsberg, Ralph (19 May 2017). "A Quick Technical Analysis of the Hwasong-12". 38 North. Retrieved 24 May 2017.
  6. ^ a b Kim Hyo-jeong (15 May 2017). "北 "신형 중장거리미사일 발사 성공"…김정은 "美본토 타격권"(종합)" [North Korea "successful test of new medium-range missile"... Kim Jong Un "right to strike US mainland" (Comprehensive)]. Yonhap News Agency. Retrieved 8 January 2025.
  7. ^ Alex Lockie (9 August 2017). "North Korea probably couldn't nuke the US military in Guam even if it tried". Business Insider. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
  8. ^ Roh, Minho (9 June 2017). ""목표 명중!" 北 발사 순항미사일은 KN-09?" ["Target hit!" Is North Korea's cruise missile KN-09?]. New Daily (in Korean). New Daily. Retrieved 12 December 2021.
  9. ^ "Hwasong-12". Missile Threat. 16 May 2017. Retrieved 18 August 2017.
  10. ^ "Kim Jong Un Watches Ground Jet Test of Newly Developed High-Thrust Engine". Korean Central News Agency. 19 March 2017. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
  11. ^ Schilling, John (14 May 2017). "North Korea's Latest Missile Test: Advancing towards an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) While Avoiding US Military Action". 38 North. U.S.-Korea Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. Retrieved 15 May 2017.
  12. ^ Panda, Ankit (15 May 2017). "North Korea's New Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile, the Hwasong-12: First Takeaways". The Diplomat. Retrieved 15 May 2017.
  13. ^ "U.S. Pacific Command detects, tracks North Korean missile launch". United States Forces Korea. 4 April 2017. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
  14. ^ Wright, David (5 April 2017). "North Korea's April 5 Missile Launch". Union of Concerned Scientists. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
  15. ^ a b Lee Sung-eun (19 April 2017). "Pyongyang may possess new type of Scud: KN-17". Korea JoongAng Daily. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
  16. ^ "U.S. Pacific Command detects North Korean missile launch". United States Forces Korea. 15 April 2017. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
  17. ^ Schabnder, Dean (16 April 2017). "North Korea's attempted missile launch fails, US officials say". ABC News. Retrieved 3 June 2017.
  18. ^ "U.S. Pacific Command detects North Korean missile launch". United States Forces Korea. 28 April 2017. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
  19. ^ Tomlinson, Lucas (28 April 2017). "North Korea test-fires a ballistic missile that breaks up in flight, US officials say". Fox News. Retrieved 3 June 2017.
  20. ^ "U.S. Pacific Command detects, tracks North Korean missile launch". United States Forces Korea. 14 May 2017. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
  21. ^ Michael Backfisch; Dirk Hautkapp; Felix Lee (29 August 2017). "Kims Jong-uns Raketentest löst in Japan Kriegsangst aus" [Kim Jong Un's missile test triggers fear of war in Japan]. Berliner Morgenpost (in German). Retrieved 8 February 2025.
  22. ^ Justin McCurry (29 August 2017). "Trump and Abe vow to increase pressure after North Korea fires missile over Japan". The Guardian. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
  23. ^ "PACOM detects NK IRBM". United States Forces Korea. 14 September 2017. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
  24. ^ Minh Phương (15 September 2017). "Mỹ lặng lẽ theo dõi Triều Tiên chuẩn bị phóng tên lửa, quyết định không bắn hạ" [US quietly watched North Korea prepared to launch missile, decided not to shoot it down]. Dân trí (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 23 January 2025.
  25. ^ Josh Smith (31 January 2022). "North Korea tests biggest missile since 2017, U.S. calls for talks". Reuters. Retrieved 23 January 2025.
  26. ^ Jonathan McDowell. "Tests of Hwasong-12 missile family". Planet4589.org. Retrieved 4 January 2025.
  27. ^ a b c d Zwirko, Colin (28 September 2021). "North Korea tested new 'hypersonic missile': state media". NK News. Retrieved 28 September 2021.
  28. ^ "Hypersonic Missile Newly Developed by Academy of Defence Science Test-fired". Korean Central News Agency. 29 September 2021. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  29. ^ Chaewon Chung; Jeongmin Kim (27 September 2021). "North Korea launches 'short-range' missile toward East Sea, Seoul says". NK News. Retrieved 28 September 2021.
  30. ^ Choi Soo-hyang (29 September 2021). "N. Korea's 'hypersonic missile' appears to be at early stage of development: JCS says". Yonhap News Agency. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
  31. ^ "North Korea joins race for new hypersonic missile with latest test". NBC News. 29 September 2021. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
  32. ^ John A. Tirpak (30 September 2021). "North Korea Claims Hypersonic Missile Test; Intel Community Unsure". Air and Space Force Magazine. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
  33. ^ a b c d "North Korean nuclear weapons, 2024" (PDF). Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. Retrieved 9 January 2025.
  34. ^ "Hwasong-12A missile". www.b14643.eu. Retrieved 4 January 2025.
  35. ^ See the image in following news: Kim, Yong-rae (6 January 2022). "진화하는 北 극초음속미사일…속도 음속 5배이상·사거리도 늘어" [North Korea's evolving hypersonic missiles... Extended range with a maximum speed of Mach 5]. KODEF researcher (in Korean). Yonhap News Agency. Retrieved 7 January 2022.
  36. ^ a b "S/2023/171" (PDF). United Nations Security Council. 7 March 2023. Retrieved 4 January 2025.
  37. ^ Yoonjung, Seo (3 October 2022). "Japan issues rare alert as North Korea fires missile without warning over main island". CNN. Retrieved 4 October 2022.
  38. ^ Kuhn, Anthony (3 October 2022). "North Korea fires a ballistic missile over Japan". NPR. Retrieved 4 October 2022.
  39. ^ "The CNS North Korea Missile Test Database". Nuclear Threat Initiative. Retrieved 4 January 2025.
  40. ^ "Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Guides Military Drills of KPA Units for Operation of Tactical Nukes". Korean Central News Agency. 10 October 2022. Retrieved 4 January 2025. For images, see 1, 2 and 3.
  41. ^ Vann H. Van Diepen (14 October 2022). ""A Strong Military Warning": Four Key Implications of North Korea's October 10 Missile Statement: More Political Than Military Significance". 38 North. Retrieved 2 January 2025.
  42. ^ Ralph Savelsburg (15 February 2023). "North Korea's missile launch over Japan shows increased payload, distance: exclusive analysis". Breaking Defense. Retrieved 2 January 2025.
  43. ^ Tianran Xu; Katsuhisa Furukawa; Elin Bergne; Kristiana Nitisa (11 November 2022). "Escalating Tensions on the Korean Peninsula". Open Nuclear Network. Retrieved 4 January 2025.
  44. ^ Shweta Sharma (27 July 2023). "Kim Jong-un unveils two new North Korea combat drones resembling US's Reaper and Global Hawk". The Independent. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  45. ^ "How potent are North Korea's threats?". BBC News. 15 September 2015. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
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