Missile Hwasong-8
Summary
| Category | Ballistic Missiles |
| Sub-type | Hypersonic Ballistic Missile |
| Origin country | 🇰🇵 North Korea |
| Status | In development |
Technical specifications
| Warhead | Nuclear-capable |
| Diameter | 1,800 mm (70.9 in) |
| Length | 18,500 mm (728.3 in) |
| Range | 4,000 km (2,485 mi) |
Hwasong-8 scale diagram
Operators
Description
The Hwasong-8 is a North Korean single-stage, liquid-fueled ballistic missile equipped with a hypersonic glide vehicle. Development of the system was initiated under the Five-Year Plan for Defense Science Development, established during the 8th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea. The design is based on the first stage of either the Hwasong-14 or the Hwasong-12, utilizing a Paektusan liquid-propellant rocket motor. Development was aided by technical experience gained from the Hwasong-11A and Hwasong-11B short-range ballistic missiles. The Hwasong-8 conducted its maiden test flight on September 28, 2021, marking the first flight test of a hypersonic weapon system by North Korea. A variant equipped with a maneuverable reentry vehicle, designated Hwasong-12A, underwent two flight tests in January 2022. The missile was publicly displayed at the Self-Defence 2021 exhibition in October 2021 and during a military parade in April 2022.
The missile utilizes a liquid-propellant engine featuring fuel ampoulisation, a technology that uses storable liquid fuel or protective membranes to seal the propellant tanks. This allows the missile to remain fueled for extended periods and reduces launch preparation times. The primary payload is a hypersonic glide vehicle mounted on top of the booster, featuring aerodynamic control fins to maneuver during atmospheric reentry to evade missile defense systems. The system is nuclear-capable. A variant of the system is also configured with a maneuverable reentry vehicle.
The Hwasong-8 is operated by North Korea. The system has not been used in combat. During its initial test in September 2021, the missile was launched from a mobile platform, and subsequent parade appearances in April 2022 confirmed the use of a six-axle transporter erector launcher. An October 2021 exhibition also displayed the warhead integrated onto a Hwasong-12 booster paired with a MAZ-547 wheeled launcher. Military assessments indicate the system was in the early stages of development at the time of its initial tests.