Based on the images and information from the 31 October 2024 maiden flight, it was determined that Hwasong-19 is a three-stage, solid-fueled missile, cold-launched on an 11-axle transporter erector launcher.[3][5]
The Hwasong-19's 11-axle TEL uses a unified hull-cover design. The canister cover is hinged at the bottom and fixed to the hull, while the cover open, it does not fall to the ground and remains connected to the TEL. This design may have been intended to save resources or to serve combat purposes, as well as to camouflage the mobile launcher as not launched to deceive the opponent.[2]
According to 38 North, Hwasong-19 has a longer body and larger diameter than the Hwasong-18, so Hwasong-19 have more solid propellant than its predecessor, therefore, its flight time and apogee increased 13 minutes and 1,100 km (680 mi), respectively. Also, due to its increased diameter and heavier payload, Hwasong-19 can accommodate MIRVs made in the 1960s. Its long range, which is estimated to be at least 15,000 km (9,300 mi),[2] allows it to reach targets anywhere in the contiguous United States.[5]
The Hwasong-19's length is estimated to be at least 28 m (92 ft), longer than Hwasong-18 and Russia's mobile ICBMs. However, its large size could limit its deployment area and mobility, making it vulnerable to detection by US and South Korean intelligence before it can be fired and making it a priority target for enemy's preemptive strikes.[1]
North Korea planned to use Hwasong-19 along with Hwasong-18 as its "primary core means in defending".[3][5] It is possible that Hwasong-19 is intended to replace the liquid-fueled Hwasong-17.[2]
History
During a Kim Jong Un's visit in September 2024, North Korea revealed a 12-axle transporter erector launcher (TEL). This suggests the development of a new ICBM larger than previous missiles.[6]
Hwasong-19 made its public debut on 31 October 2024, with a flight test.[4][7] North Korea officially confirmed the launch on the same day of the launch. Initially, North Korea did not reveal the missile's official name; it was revealed a day after the test-fire.[3][8]
North Korea displayed Hwasong-19 at the "Defence Development-2024" military exhibition, held in late-November 2024.[9][10]
South Korean military detected the preparation of the launch the day before, with the placement of missile and setup of the mobile launcher.[5]
Success
Japanese data shows the ICBM flew for 86 minutes with about 1,000 km (620 mi) range and over 7,000 km (4,300 mi) apogee, landing 200 km (120 mi) west of Okushiri Island, Hokkaido, Japan.[5][11] According to North Korea, the missile flew for 85 minutes and 56 seconds with 1,001.2 km (622.1 mi) range and 7,687.5 km (4,776.8 mi) apogee. The first test of Hwasong-19 broke the apogee record for a North Korean missile test (as of November 2024).[3][12]Kim Jong Un and his daughter oversaw the test.[3]
