Hwasong-20

Hwasong-20
TypeIntercontinental ballistic missile
Place of originNorth Korea
Service history
In serviceUnder development
Production history
Designed2025
ManufacturerNorth Korea
Specifications
WarheadNuclear warhead
MIRV-capable
EngineSolid-fueled engine
1,960–1,971 kN (199.9–201.0 tf)
Operational
range
15,000 km (9,300 mi) (estimated)
Maximum speedMach 22 (27,000 km/h; 16,700 mph)
Guidance
system
Inertial guidance system
Launch
platform
11-axle TEL

The Hwasong-20[a] (Korean: 《화성포-20》형; lit. 'Mars Artillery Type 20') is a North Korean solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). First revealed in September 2025 at a press report, Hwasong-20 is considered by North Korean state media as "the most powerful nuclear strategic weapon". Its first appearance was on 10 October 2025, during a military parade.

Description

Images of the Hwasong-20
The missile and TEL in the "Defense Development-2025" military exhibition
The TEL in the October 2025 parade

The Hwasong-20 is officially called "next-generation" ICBM by the state-owned Korean Central News Agency.[2] Although detailed specifications remain little known,[3] Hwasong-20 is assessed to be a three-stage, solid-fueled missile, estimated to have a wider body diameter than Hwasong-19.[4] Based on North Korean press releases, it is confirmed that Hwasong-20 will use a 1,960–1,971 kN (199.9–201.0 tf)-thrust engine,[5] which is the same engine as the future modified version of Hwasong-19.[6] The engine, which is manufactured using carbon fiber composite,[7] has about 40 percent more thrust than the Hwasong-18. Analysts allege that this engine can be modified to be used for reconnaissance satellite launches.[8] Hwasong-20 uses a 11-axle TEL,[9] with the missile canister having a blunter nose cap than Hwasong-19's counterpart.[6]

With an operational range of 15,000 km (9,300 mi),[10] Hwasong-20 can theoretically reach all territories of the United States.[11] However, a Korean Central Television commentator claims Hwasong-20 to have a "limitless" range.[12] The missile's maximum speed is estimated to be Mach 22 (27,000 km/h; 16,700 mph), meaning Hwasong-20 can reach cities within the contiguous United States between 25 and 40 minutes.[13] It also features a blunt warhead,[14] suggesting the missile is MIRV-capable,[15] capable of evading United States's missile defenses.[16] The estimated payload capacity is more than two metric tonnes,[4] including a possible number of six to eight re-entry vehicles.[17]

The missile uses an advanced guidance system, using inertial guidance system (INS) combined with GPS or optical sensors to increase accuracy,[18] with an estimated circular error probable of 3–5 km (1.9–3.1 mi).[19] South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff alleges that North Korea may have received Russian technology assistance and support to develop Hwasong-20.[20][21]

History

North Korea first mentioned Hwasong-20 on 2 September 2025 at a press report.[6][22] According to North Korean state media, between 2023 and 2 September 2025, the Hwasong-20's engine underwent eight static firing tests.[2] This is the first time North Korea has revealed details of a new ICBM under development.[23]

Later, on 8 September 2025, the Missile Administration and a chemical materials research center jointly conducted the ninth and last ground test of this engine. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the test.[24][25] North Korean state media claimed the engine to produce a thrust of 1,971 kN (201.0 tf).[26][27] This engine test suggested that the launch of Hwasong-20 may take place soon.[28]

Hwasong-20 made its public debut on 10 October 2025, during a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea.[3][29] In this parade, North Korea called Hwasong-20 as "the most powerful nuclear strategic weapon".[30][31] At least three missiles were mounted on 11-axle launchers.[32] It is possible that these missiles were mock-ups, as North Korea's MIRV technology has not been verified.[19]

After the 10 October 2025 military parade, it was revealed that the Hwasong-20 was displayed during the "Defense Development-2025" military exhibition, opened on 4 October 2025. Originally, the missile and its associated TEL were assessed to be Hwasong-19.[6]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Officially called Hwasongpho-20.[1]

References

  1. ^ "Military Parade Marks 80th Founding Anniversary of WPK". Korean Central News Agency. 11 October 2025. Retrieved 10 November 2025. The spectators broke into the most enthusiastic cheers when the column of Hwasongpho-20 ICBMs, the most powerful nuclear strategic weapon system of the DPRK, entered the square, filling the track.
  2. ^ a b "Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Learns about Composite Carbon Fiber Material Production Process and Production of High-thrust Missile Engine". Korean Central News Agency. 2 September 2025. Retrieved 15 September 2025.
  3. ^ a b Irianto, Widodo; Wicaksono, Ronny; Saqi Futaki, Sofyan (12 October 2025). "Ini Dia Wujud Rudal Balistik Antar Benua Baru Milik Korut yang Bisa Jangkau Daratan AS" [This is North Korea's new intercontinental ballistic missile, which can reach the US mainland]. TIMES Indonesia (in Indonesian). Retrieved 22 January 2026.
  4. ^ a b Đào Cảnh (16 March 2026). "Tên lửa Hwasong-20 tầm bắn 15.000km, công nghệ MIRV, 'xóa sổ' mọi mục tiêu" [Hwasong-20 missile with 15,000 km range, MIRV technology, destroying all targets]. VietNamNet (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 16 March 2026.
  5. ^ Van Diepen, Vann H. (15 October 2025). "Future Missile/Space Developments Presaged; WMD Possession Underscored". 38 North. Retrieved 4 February 2026.
  6. ^ a b c d Van Diepen, Vann H. (4 November 2025). "It Is Autumn in North Korea, and the Missiles Are Changing. Are They Past Peak?". 38 North. Retrieved 6 November 2025.
  7. ^ Văn Phong (2 September 2025). "Triều Tiên chế tạo động cơ bằng vật liệu sợi carbon composite cho ICBM thế hệ mới" [North Korea builds carbon fiber composite engine for new generation ICBM]. Báo Bảo vệ Pháp luật (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 15 September 2025.
  8. ^ "Triều Tiên có bước ngoặt trong chương trình phát triển tên lửa?" [Is North Korea has a turning point in its missile development program?]. Langson Radio & Television (in Vietnamese). 10 September 2025. Retrieved 15 September 2025.
  9. ^ Lee, Minji (11 October 2025). "(News Focus) N. Korea flaunts missile strength with Hwasong-20 ICBM". Yonhap News Agency. Retrieved 11 October 2025.
  10. ^ Đào Cảnh (15 September 2025). "Tên lửa Hwasong-20 tầm bắn 15.000km, công nghệ MIRV, thay đổi cuộc chơi quân sự toàn cầu" [Hwasong-20 missile with range of 15,000km, MIRV technology, changing the global military game]. VietNamNet (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 15 September 2025.
  11. ^ Park, Chan-kyong (11 October 2025). "North Korea unveils 'most powerful nuclear strategic weapon' capable of reaching all of US". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 11 October 2025.
  12. ^ Kwak, Hee-yang (12 October 2025). 베일 벗은 ‘화성-20형’…북 “타격 사정권 한계 없다” [The Hwasong-20 missile is unveiled... North Korea claims its strike range is "limitless"]. Kyunghyang Sinmun (in Korean). Retrieved 4 February 2026.
  13. ^ Huỳnh Dũng (19 March 2026). "Giải mã sức mạnh Tên lửa Hwasong-20 của Triều Tiên: Công nghệ đặc biệt khiến việc đánh chặn trở nên khó hơn bao giờ hết" [Decoding the power of North Korea's Hwasong-20 missile: Special technology makes interception harder than ever]. Dân Việt (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 20 March 2026.
  14. ^ "[News Today] 'Hwasong-20' ICBM features a blunt warhead". KBS News. 13 October 2025. Retrieved 13 October 2025.
  15. ^ Thành Vinh (8 January 2026). "Giải mã Hwasong-20: Thế hệ tên lửa xuyên lục địa mới nhất của Triều Tiên" [Decoding the Hwasong-20: North Korea's latest ICBM generation]. Báo Nghệ An (in Vietnamese). Nghe An Newspaper and Radio, Television. Retrieved 27 January 2026.
  16. ^ Lee, Yu-jeong; Shim, Seok-yong (12 October 2025). 북 “최강 핵무기” 화성 20형 공개…극초음속미사일도 내놨다 [North Korea unveils Hwasong-20, its "most powerful nuclear weapon", and also unveils a hypersonic missile]. JoongAng Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved 22 January 2026.
  17. ^ Cheon, Soram (13 October 2025). "Pyongyang's new ICBM blends technical ambition with political theater". Aju Press. Retrieved 27 January 2026. The missile's nose appears slightly rounder, which may allow it to carry more re-entry vehicles—perhaps six to eight compared with four or five on the Hwasong-19.
  18. ^ Đào Cảnh (11 October 2025). "Tên lửa Hwasong-20 AI tầm bắn 15.000km, công nghệ hạt nhân đỉnh cao, 'thay đổi quân sự toàn cầu'" [Hwasong-20 missile with AI technology, 15,000 km range, advanced nuclear technology, 'changing global military']. VietNamNet (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 11 October 2025.
  19. ^ a b Thu Thủy (11 October 2025). "Giải mã tên lửa đạn đạo liên lục địa mới Hwasong-20 Triều Tiên ra mắt trong lễ duyệt binh" [Decoding North Korea's new Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile unveiled at military parade]. VietTimes (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 11 October 2025.
  20. ^ Hà Đào (14 October 2025). "Hàn Quốc nghi Nga giúp Triều Tiên phát triển siêu tên lửa Hwasong-20" [South Korea alleges Russia to help North Korea developing Hwasong-20]. Tuổi Trẻ (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 27 January 2026.
  21. ^ "JCS Chief: Russia Could Have Provided Technical Support for N. Korea's New Hwasong-20 ICBM". KBS World. 14 October 2025. Retrieved 27 January 2026.
  22. ^ Zwirko, Colin (2 September 2025). "North Korea announces new Hwasong-20 nuclear missile as Kim arrives in China". NK News. Retrieved 15 September 2025.
  23. ^ "Triều Tiên dần tiết lộ đang phát triển tên lửa xuyên lục địa thế hệ mới" [North Korea is gradually revealing the development of new generation ICBM]. Langson Radio & Television (in Vietnamese). 2 September 2025. Retrieved 4 February 2026.
  24. ^ "DPRK Missile Administration Conducts Ground Jet Test of Carbon Fiber Solid-fuel Engine". Korean Central News Agency. 9 September 2025. Retrieved 11 January 2026.
  25. ^ Park, Boram (9 September 2025). "(LEAD) N. Korea's Kim oversees test of high-thrust, solid-fuel carbon fiber missile engine: KCNA". Yonhap News Agency. Retrieved 15 September 2025.
  26. ^ Kim, Tong-hyung (9 September 2025). "North Korea conducts its final ground test of a solid-fuel engine for long-range missiles". AP News. Retrieved 4 February 2026.
  27. ^ "North Korea's Kim heralds new ICBM rocket engine test as 'significant'". Al Jazeera. 9 September 2025. Retrieved 15 September 2025.
  28. ^ Zwirko, Colin (9 September 2025). "North Korea conducts engine test for new long-range nuclear missile". NK News. Retrieved 15 September 2025.
  29. ^ Lee, Joyce; Smith, Josh (11 October 2025). "North Korea holds military parade, shows off new intercontinental missile". Reuters. Retrieved 4 February 2026.
  30. ^ Yun, Sang-ho (13 October 2025). "Hwasong-20 ICBM revealed at North Korea parade". The Dong-A Ilbo. Retrieved 19 March 2026.
  31. ^ Kim, Soo-yeon (11 October 2025). "N. Korea rolls out new Hwasong-20 ICBM at military parade to mark party anniv". Yonhap News Agency. Retrieved 11 October 2025.
  32. ^ Kim, Tong-hyung; Kim, Hyung-jin (11 October 2025). "North Korea displays new long-range missile at a military parade celebrating Kim Jong Un". AP News. Retrieved 4 February 2026. The parade saw the debut of the massive Hwasong-20, with at least three of them wheeled out on 11-axle launcher trucks.
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