Hwasong-20
North Korean ICBM under development
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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.
| Hwasong-20 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Intercontinental ballistic missile |
| Place of origin | North Korea |
| Service history | |
| In service | Under development |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 2025 |
| Manufacturer | North Korea |
| Specifications | |
| Warhead | Nuclear warhead MIRV-capable |
| Engine | Solid-fueled engine
|
Operational range | Estimated: 15,000 km (9,300 mi) |
| Maximum speed | Mach 22 (27,000 km/h; 16,700 mph) |
Guidance system | Inertial guidance system |
| Accuracy | Estimated: 3–5 km (1.9–3.1 mi) |
Launch platform | 11-axle TEL |
Description
Missile
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] It is mobile, hard to detect and can be launched at short notice.[5]
With an estimated operational range of 15,000 km (9,300 mi), Hwasong-20 can theoretically reach all territories of the United States.[6] However, a Korean Central Television commentator claims Hwasong-20 to have a "limitless" range.[7] 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.[8] It also features a blunt warhead,[9] suggesting the missile is MIRV-capable, capable of evading United States's missile defenses.[10][11] The estimated payload mass is more than two metric tonnes, including a possible number of six to eight re-entry vehicles.[12] This number appears to be more than Hwasong-19.[13]
The missile uses an advanced guidance system, combining inertial guidance system (INS) with GPS or optical sensors to increase accuracy,[14] with an estimated circular error probable of 3–5 km (1.9–3.1 mi).[15] South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff alleges that North Korea may have received Russian technology assistance and support to develop Hwasong-20.[16][17]
According to a 2025 publication by Vann H. Van Diepen in 38 North, it is possible that Hwasong-20 is an up-named variant of Hwasong-19 for political or propaganda purposes.[18]
Engine
North Korean press releases indicate that Hwasong-20 will use a 1,960–1,971 kN (199.9–201.0 tf)-thrust solid-fueled engine.[19] It is manufactured using carbon fiber composite and 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.[20]
Hwasong-20 may also have an upgraded version with a 2,500 kN (250 tf)-thrust engine, revealed in late-March 2026 by North Korean state media without citing exact date of ground-testing.[21]
Launch vehicle
Like the Hwasong-19, Hwasong-20 uses a 11-axle TEL. However, images show the missile canister has a blunter nose cap than its predecessor's counterpart, and the lifting arms also apparently locate under the canister, instead of the vehicle's side.[18]
History
North Korea first mentioned Hwasong-20 on 2 September 2025 at a press report.[18][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 the "most powerful nuclear strategic weapon". At least three missiles were mounted on 11-axle launchers.[30][31][32] It is possible that these missiles were mock-ups, as North Korea's MIRV technology has not been verified.[15]
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.[18]