Missile Hwasong-17
Summary
| Category | Ballistic Missiles |
| Sub-type | Intercontinental Ballistic Missile |
| Origin country | 🇰🇵 North Korea |
| Manufacturer | North Korea |
| Status | In service |
| Year of service | 2020 |
| Number built | 12 units |
Technical specifications
| Warhead | Nuclear weapon |
| Warhead weight | 3500 kg (7,716 lb) |
| Diameter | 2,900 mm (114.2 in) |
| Length | 26,000 mm (1023.6 in) |
| Flight altitude | 6,045,000 m (19,832,678 ft) |
| Weight | 150,000 kg (330,693 lb) |
| Range | 15,000 km (9,321 mi) |
| Max. speed | 27,165 km/h (Mach 27.2) |
Hwasong-17 scale diagram
Operators
Description
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.