[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] North Korean Missiles Evolve Once Again

North Claims Success of Supersonic Missile 'Hwaseongpo-16na' Model
Solid Fuel Two-Stage Increases Range and Makes Interception Difficult

North Korea is moving according to its 'missile development timetable.' On the 2nd, North Korea launched a new medium-range solid-fuel hypersonic ballistic missile (IRBM), and since unveiling the hypersonic missile 'Hwaseong-8' in September 2021, it has been steadily improving its performance.

[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] North Korean Missiles Evolve Once Again

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 3rd, North Korea's Korean Central News Agency reported, "Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un personally supervised the first test launch of the newly developed medium-range solid ballistic missile 'Hwaseongpo-16na,' equipped with a new hypersonic glide warhead, the previous day."

The major feature of this missile is the performance of its propulsion system (engine). The propulsion system of the existing Hwaseong-8 is a liquid-fueled single stage. In contrast, this propulsion system uses a two-stage solid-fuel engine, making the missile and launcher longer. This means the range has increased. If North Korea successfully launches the IRBM, its range is estimated to be about 3,000 to 5,500 km. Targets such as Okinawa, Japan, approximately 1,400 km from Pyongyang, and Guam, about 3,500 km away, fall within its strike range.

Technologically, it has also changed. The front part of the missile is not the conventional conical shape but a glider type. It can ascend and descend during flight and perform gliding maneuvers. During the gliding phase, it flies at altitudes of 30 to 70 km while maintaining speeds above Mach 5. It is difficult for major U.S.-South Korea air defense systems, such as the Patriot interceptor missile PAC-3, to detect and intercept it.

North Korea is expected to continue test launches in the future. Some analysts believe it is developing the missile aiming to reach the level of China's hypersonic missile Dongfeng-27, which has a range of 5,000 to 8,500 km.