Missile Hwasong-19

The Hwasong-19 (officially Hwasongpho-19) is a North Korean solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile developed from the Hwasong-18, with longer range and a heavier payload. In September 2024, during a visit by Kim Jong Un, North Korea displayed a 12-axle transporter erector launcher (TEL), which indicated development of an ICBM larger than earlier types. The Hwasong-19 was first flown on 31 October 2024. North Korea confirmed the launch the same day and released the missile's name the following day. The missile was shown at the "Defence Development-2024" military exhibition in late November 2024. According to the South Korean military, the Hwasong-19 may be a product of military cooperation between North Korea and Russia.

The Hwasong-19 is a three-stage missile with solid propellant in all stages. It is cold-launched from an 11-axle TEL that uses a unified hull-cover design. The canister cover is hinged at the bottom and fixed to the hull, so it stays attached to the vehicle when opened instead of dropping to the ground. This arrangement may save resources, serve combat purposes, or disguise a launcher that has already fired as one that has not. The missile body is longer and wider than that of the Hwasong-18 and holds more propellant, which gave a longer flight time and higher apogee during the first test. Its estimated range covers the contiguous United States. The missile is longer than both the Hwasong-18 and Russian road-mobile ICBMs. North Korea describes it as the largest operational road-mobile ICBM. Its size may restrict deployment areas and mobility. This could expose launchers to detection by US and South Korean intelligence before launch and make them priority targets for preemptive strikes.

The missile carries a nuclear warhead and is MIRV-capable. Its larger diameter and payload allow it to accommodate bulky MIRVs of the type developed in the 1960s. Payload capacity is unknown, but the missile may carry four or five reentry vehicles.

In September 2025, North Korean state media announced that a future modified version would use a new solid-fuel engine. This engine produces about 40 percent more thrust than that of the Hwasong-18 and is also used on the Hwasong-20. It underwent eight static firing tests between 2023 and 2 September 2025. Analysts assess that it could be adapted for launching reconnaissance satellites.

The Hwasong-19 entered service with the Korean People's Army Strategic Force in 2024. North Korea plans to field it alongside the Hwasong-18 as its "primary core means in defending," and it may be intended to replace the liquid-fueled Hwasong-17. State media have described it as "an ICBM of ultimate version," "perfected," and the world's strongest missile.

The only known test took place on 31 October 2024 at 07:11 Pyongyang Standard Time from the Pyongyang area, with Kim Jong Un and his daughter present. South Korea detected launch preparations in advance, including the setup of the mobile launcher, and assessed that a warhead re-entry test was possible. The missile flew on a lofted trajectory for about 86 minutes and landed west of Okushiri Island, Hokkaido, Japan. North Korea reported a flight time of 85 minutes and 56 seconds. As of November 2024, the test set North Korean records for both apogee and flight time.