Hwasong-11D
North Korean short-range ballistic missile
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Hwasong-11D[a] (Korean: 《화성포-11라》형; lit. 'Mars Artillery Type 11D') is a North Korean single-stage, solid-fueled tactical ballistic missile. First revealed in April 2022 with a flight test, Hwasong-11D is the smaller version of Hwasong-11A (KN-23), with a smaller size and a shorter range. Hwasong-11D is reported to be entered mass production.
| Hwasong-11D | |
|---|---|
| Type | Short-range ballistic missile Tactical ballistic missile |
| Place of origin | North Korea |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2022–present |
| Used by | Korean People's Army Strategic Force |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 2022 |
| Manufacturer | North Korea |
| Developed from | Hwasong-11A |
| No. built | Over 250 launchers |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 3,000 kg (6,600 lb) |
| Length | 5.5 m (18 ft) |
| Diameter | 0.76 m (2 ft 6 in) |
| Warhead | 500–700 kg (1,100–1,500 lb) Hwasan-31 |
| Engine | Solid-propelled engine |
Operational range | 100–300 km (62–186 mi) |
| Flight altitude | 50 km (31 mi) |
Guidance system | "Autonomous navigation system" |
Launch platform | 3-axle TEL |
Description
| Images of the Hwasong-11D | |
|---|---|
 3-axle TEL | |
| April 2026 test |
Missile
Hwasong-11D is the smaller variant of Hwasong-11A,[1][2] with the missile being estimated to be 5.5 m (18 ft) long, 0.76 m (2 ft 6 in) wide and has a launch mass of nearly 3,000 kg (6,600 lb).[3] While Hwasong-11D is claimed to be the smallest short-range ballistic missile of North Korea,[4] its range, which is estimated to be 100–300 km (62–186 mi),[5] led the missile to be classified as a close-range ballistic missile (CRBM).[6] According to United Nations Security Council member nations, the Hwasong-11D also has a underwater-based version, a submarine-launched ballistic missile first tested on 19 October 2021, later known as Hwasong-11S.[7] Along with Hwasong-11B, it appears to be based on United States's ATACMS, with the North Korean missile having newer technology, longer range and more accuracy.[8]
It is assessed that Hwasong-11D could be a counterpart to the South Korean's KTSSM, especially the role. The launches were accompanied with a statement, associating them with the development of tactical nuclear weapons,[9] as well as the improvement of frontline long-range artillery units's firepower.[10] Hwasong-11D follows a near-ballistic trajectory, with approximately 50 km (31 mi) apogee. This low apogee, combined with its short flight time and terminal maneuverability, makes it difficult for traditional missile defense systems to detect and intercept. Moreover, the missile’s improved accuracy reduces the number of missiles required to attack the target.[11] Also, Hwasong-11D can have better survivability against missile defenses if the missile is equipped with smaller and lighter tactical nuclear warheads while retaining the Hwasong-11A's maneuverability, thus allowing it to threaten shorter range targets.[9]
Hwasong-11D is claimed to be capable of carrying a 500–700 kg (1,100–1,500 lb) payload, likely conventional, fragmentation, submunition,[3] or chemical.[6] It can also be armed with the Hwasan-31 tactical nuclear warhead.[12]
Assuming a weight of 1,500 kg (3,300 lb), it is possible that Hwasong-11D can be carried by Korean People's Army Air Force's Harbin H-5/Ilyushin Il-28 after necessary modifications.[13]
According to German analyst Norbert Brügge, Hwasong-11D is a derivative from KN-25 and Hwasong-11/OTR-21 Tochka. He evaluates the missile to be a type of multiple rocket launcher,[14] despite North Korean official claim of tactical ballistic missile.[15]
Launcher
Basic type
According to North Korea, the Hwasong-11D missile system, including the launcher, was personally designed by Kim Jong Un as a "new pivotal attack weapon" of North Korean forces.[5][16] The basic-type TEL is a 3-axle truck,[4] designed to combine mobility with instant firing.[17] It is estimated to be 8.5 m (28 ft) long and 3 m (9.8 ft) wide.[18] Each basic-type launcher can deploy up to four Hwasong-11D missiles.[11]
Modular type
During a military parade held on 10 October 2025, North Korea unveiled a modular three-axle launcher of Hwasong-11D.[19] A HIMARS-like vehicle,[20] it has two modules, each of which can carry a single Hwasong-11D missile, or multiple launch rockets of 122 mm and 240 mm diameters.[19] However, it is unlikely that the Hwasong-11D missiles carried by the modular-type launcher are nuclear-armed.[21]
Naming
North Korean state media refers to Hwasong-11D as Hwasongpho-11 Ra (《화성포-11라》형). The Korean Central News Agency first mentioned Hwasong-11D directly in April 2026,[15] although the official designation was revealed through photo evidence in March 2023.[22] The official designation can also be romanized as Hwasong-11Ra, Hwasong-11La or Hwasongpho-11D.[3][23][24] However, in its earlier launches, occurred between 2022 and 2024, the Hwasong-11D was called "tactical guided weapon" and later, "tactical ballistic missile", instead of its official designation.[25][26]
In April 2025, it was revealed that Hwasong-11D had been designated KN-35 by the US military under its naming convention.[27]
History
Hwasong-11D made its public debut on 16 April 2022 with a flight test.[28][29] Nine days later, on 25 April 2022, North Korea displayed Hwasong-11D during a military parade; however, North Korea also did not name the missile.[4]
Further test-fires of Hwasong-11D occurred on 2 November 2022 and on 9 March 2023.[30][31] Between these test-fires, North Korea displayed Hwasong-11D during a military parade on 8 February 2023.[32]
It was reported at the third test launch of Hwasong-11D that the missile had already received an undisclosed official designation.[33] In late-March 2023, the official name of Hwasong-11D was confirmed in the Korean Central News Agency's report on the new Hwasan-31 nuclear warhead, although a partial and blurred name was only displayed.[22] Despite this, in its 2024 appearances, including a test flight, North Korea only described Hwasong-11D as "tactical ballistic missile" without mentioning the official name directly.[26][34]
A further test of Hwasong-11D occurred on 19 April 2026, resulting in the publication of the official designation by the Korean Central News Agency.[3][15][23]
List of tests
According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, between 2022 and 2024, North Korea conducted at least nine test launches of Hwasong-11D.[2]
Confirmed tests
| Attempt | Date (Pyongyang Standard Time) | Location | Number of missiles tested | Outcome | Additional notes | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 16 April 2022 | Chakto-dong, Hungnam, Hamhung, South Hamgyong Province | 2 | Success | South Korea detected the launch around 2 p.m., with the missiles being test-fired with a 21-minute interval between launches, flew for 60 seconds and achieved 25 km (16 mi) apogee, 110 km (68 mi) range while achieving a maximum speed of Mach 4 (4,900 km/h; 3,000 mph). Kim Jong Un oversaw the launch. | [7][35][36] |
| 2 | 2 November 2022 | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | On 7 November 2022, North Korea released photos of missile launches from 2 to 5 November, including the images of a Hwasong-11D test fire occurred on 2 November 2022. A photo from the April 2022 test was reused to refer to the November test. North Korea also did not reveal the missile's official name. | [30][37] |
| 3 | 9 March 2023 | Taesong Lake, South Pyongan Province | 6 | Success | The launch was supervised by Kim Jong Un and his daughter. These missiles were launched and hitting a sea target, but the flight distance and altitude were unknown.
The launch coincided with preparation for the joint South Korean–US Freedom Shield military drill, which would take place after this missile test. |
[38][39][40] |
| 4 | 17 May 2024 | Wonsan | 1 (North Korea) "Several" (South Korea) |
Success | Kim Jong Un supervised the launch. According to North Korean state media, the missile employed a new autonomous navigation system. North Korea did not name Hwasong-11D directly in this test. South Korean's Joint Chiefs of Staff detected the launch of several Hwasong-11D missiles, at 3:10 p.m. (local time). These missiles flew 300 km (190 mi) before landing in waters between South Korea and Japan. | [26][41][42] |
| 5 | 19 April 2026 | Sinpo, South Hamgyong Province | 5 | Success | South Korean military detected the launch of multiple ballistic missiles near Sinpo at 6:10 a.m. local time, with the missiles travelling 140 km (87 mi). North Korean statement indicated that the launch involved five upgraded Hwasong-11D missiles, equipped with cluster warhead and fragmentation mine warhead. These missiles hit the target 136 km (85 mi) away with very high firepower, and the target area covered by its warheads was 125,000–130,000 m2 (1,350,000–1,400,000 sq ft). Kim Jong Un supervised the test with his daughter and senior military officials. | [43][44][45] |
Alleged tests
According to member states of the United Nations Security Council, some of the eight ballistic missiles fired on 5 June 2022 could be the then-unnamed Hwasong-11D.[7] There is also an alleged test of Hwasong-11D occurred in March 2025,[6] in which multiple missiles were apparently launched toward Yellow Sea.[46]
Operational use
Mass production of launchers
According to NK News, a factory in Pyongsong is one of the facilities assembling Hwasong-11D launchers, with the production activities of TELs starting from at least November 2023.[47]
A total number of at least 154 Hwasong-11D launchers were spotted by North Korean state media in the two reports published in January and May 2024.[47] The first one, published on 10 January 2024, showed at least 45 Hwasong-11D TELs during Kim Jong Un's inspection to unnamed missile launcher factories on 8 and 9 January 2024. According to the report, the factories have "deployed new weapon types and equipment to the first-line large combined units and major missile units", suggesting Hwasong-11D is operational.[48][49] Four months later, images from a similar state media report indicated around 99 Hwasong-11D launchers being inspected by Kim Jong Un during a visit to another unnamed factory on 14 May 2024.[50][51][52]
Deployment
In 2023, North Korea replaced Hwasong-6 (Scud-C) operation with the deployment of Hwasong-11D at the Majang-ri missile base, according to Decker Eveleth's analysis for NK News in August 2024.[53]
North Korea held a ceremony to send 250 Hwasong-11D launchers to the frontline military units at the Inter-Korean border on 4 August 2024.[5][54][55] The ceremony took place in Pyongyang and was attended by Kim Jong Un.[56][57]