Missile Hwasong-17

The Hwasong-17 is a two-stage, liquid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) developed by North Korea. The system was first displayed publicly during a military parade on October 10, 2020. Initially referred to as a new strategic weapon, North Korea confirmed the official designation as Hwasong-17 at the Self-Defence-2021 exhibition.

The missile utilizes two RD-250-type engines for its first stage and is a road-mobile system launched from an 11-axle transporter erector launcher (TEL). It is designed to carry a nuclear payload, including the potential for multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRV). In this configuration, the missile can carry three to four warheads or a combination of warheads and decoys. The Hwasong-17 also serves as the first stage for the Chollima-1 satellite launch vehicle. Operational limitations include the requirement for fueling at the launch site, as the vibrations of transporting a fueled liquid-propellant missile of this size risk structural damage or leakage.

The Korean People's Army Strategic Force operates the Hwasong-17. Movement of the system is restricted to paved roads and sturdy ground due to the combined mass of the missile and its 22-wheeled launcher. North Korea has demonstrated the capacity to produce these 11-axle TELs domestically.

Test history includes an unsuccessful launch attempt on March 16, 2022, which resulted in an explosion at an altitude below 20 km. North Korea claimed a successful test on March 24, 2022, though some analysts suggest the footage was doctored and the launch involved a different missile type. Confirmed successful test flights on lofted trajectories occurred on November 18, 2022, and March 16, 2023. During a military parade in February 2023, twelve Hwasong-17 missiles were displayed. There is no record of the system being used in active combat.