Missile Hwasong-14

The Hwasong-14 is a mobile intercontinental ballistic missile developed as a two-stage derivative of the Hwasong-12. Development included suspected engine tests in early 2017 following an official announcement that the system was in final testing stages. The missile project followed the apparent cancellation of the Hwasong-13.

The system utilizes a two-stage liquid-fueled propulsion system. The first stage incorporates a single main engine based on the Soviet RD-250 family, modified with four vernier thrusters to provide stability and guidance. The second stage engine is similar to upper stages used in Iranian space launch vehicles. The missile uses Unsymmetrical Dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) as fuel and Nitrogen Tetroxide (N2O4) as an oxidizer. It is capable of carrying a reentry vehicle or a nuclear warhead. Technical analysis indicates that the delivery of a first-generation nuclear payload depends on miniaturization to withstand reentry environments. The missile is transported via a road-mobile transporter erector launcher but is deployed from a detachable platform on a concrete pad, a configuration that dictates specific site requirements and launch preparation times.

The Hwasong-14 is operated by the Korean People's Army Strategic Force. It entered service following its initial flight test on 4 July 2017. A second flight test occurred on 28 July 2017, marking the first instance of a night-time launch for the system. Both tests utilized lofted trajectories to evaluate performance while containing the impact area within the Sea of Japan. There are no records of combat use.