| Hwasong-19 | |
| Is Missile: | Yes |
| Used By: | Korean People's Army Strategic Force |
| Filling: | nuclear warhead MIRVs |
| Propellant: | solid fuel |
| Vehicle Range: | 18,000km |
| Launch Platform: | 11-axle TEL |
The Hwasong-19 (Korean: 《화성포-19》형; Hancha: 火星砲 19型; Mars Artillery Type 19) is a North Korean solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
The Hwasong-19 flew 1,001.2 km (622.12 miles) for 85 minutes and 56 seconds before landing in the sea off the east coast of the Korean peninsula, with a maximum altitude of 7,687.5 km (4,776.8 miles).[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] The missile has a heavier payload compared to the Hwasong-18 to accommodate multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs) to penetrate ballistic missile defenses (BMDs) and reach targets in the contiguous United States.[6]
On 30 October 2024, South Korean military intelligence detected first sign of set-up for the ICBM, from the placement of missile and setup of the mobile launcher. Subsequently the Japanese Ministry of Defense detected the launch on 0711 (2236 GMT) 31 October, located at the northeast suburbs of Pyongyang. It was determined that the ICBM flew for 86 minutes, at a distance of 1000 km, and an altitude of 7000 km (the highest altitude for North Korean missiles as of 2024), subsequently landing 200 km west if Okushiri Island, Hokkaido, Japan.[7] [8]
On 1 November, North Korean state media KCNA, announced the results of the launch, christening the missile as the "the latest-type ICBM Hwasongpho-19" (Hs-19), and subsequently announcing the duration of its flight at 85.93 minutes, a distance of 1001.2 km, and an altitude of 7687.5 km. It was also deemed a three-stage, solid fuel model, launched cold on an 11-axle transporter erector launcher[9]
Analysis of the missile by 38 North indicates that the Hs-19 is longer than the Hwasong-18, with more room set aside for solid fuel, which increased its duration of flight by 13 minutes, and increased altitude by 1100 km compared to the Hs-18.[10]
The payload of the Hs-19 remains unknown, whether it is operational or a dummy, but the increased diameter of the missile could accommodate Re-entry vehicles made in the 1960s.