Instrument of Deterrence: North Korea Tests Hwasongpo-19 ICBM
The DPRK continues to develop strategic missile weapons, with the help of which it intends to contain a potential enemy or strike back. Recently, a new result of this process was demonstrated - the promising intercontinental ballistic missile "Hwasongpo-19". In terms of its range characteristics, this product is, at a minimum, not inferior to leading foreign analogues.
Strategic project
New achievements of the DPRK almost always become known only from official statements and publications. The promising ICBM "Hwasongpo-19" ("Mars-19") was no exception. When the development of this missile began and how much time it took remains a mystery. It is also unknown which design organization created it. Nevertheless, despite the strictest secrecy measures, the missile complex was successfully developed and brought to the testing stage.
The first test launch of the new ICBM took place on October 31 local time. The following day, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) published information about this event. In its signature style, it described the tests and their importance for national defense. In addition, the agency published photographs that show all the key stages of the process.
Hwasongpo-19 at the top of its trajectory: the camera is mounted directly on the ICBM body
The missile was launched at one of the land-based test sites. The test flight of the new type of missile lasted 5156 seconds – about 1 hour and 26 minutes. The launch was carried out along a “high” ballistic trajectory, and the missile rose to an altitude of 7687,5 km. Its flight range reached 1001,2 km, and the warhead simulator fell into the Sea of Japan.
Due to the special significance of the Hwasongpo-19 project, the DPRK leader Kim Jong-un personally attended the tests. He gave the order to launch and then watched the launch and flight of the missile. Then the head of state congratulated the project participants on their success and called on them to continue their fruitful work for the benefit of the country. The result of this activity should be new types of weapons that will effectively deter the enemy.
According to KCNA, work on the Hwasongpo-19 ICBM has been completed. This product is ready for adoption and deployment in units. It is reported that this missile will become the "leading and main" means of defense and deterrence. At the same time as the new ICBM, the already known Hwasongpo-18 complex, which has similar characteristics, will be in service.
Technical records
At the moment, not much is known about the Hwasongpo-19 missile system with the ICBM of the same name. However, even the published materials allow us to form a general picture, as well as understand why this product is truly a source of pride for the DPRK. In general, we are talking about a number of technical achievements and records.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un watches a missile flyby
The DPRK is building a land component of its strategic nuclear forces based on mobile ground-based missile systems (MGMS). The new Hwasongpo-19 also belongs to this class. At the same time, the need to achieve maximum combat performance has had a significant impact on the appearance of the system and its main components.
Like other North Korean PGRKs, the new Mars-19 is based on a special multi-axle chassis. In this case, a vehicle with 12 axles and an unknown wheel arrangement is used. In terms of layout, it resembles other PGRK chassis, but differs in general proportions and other features. In particular, due to the larger diameter of the rocket, it was necessary to use narrower side crew cabins.
The missile is transported in a transport and launch container (TLC) and launched from it. The launch is carried out from a vertical position using the mortar launch principle. Using a starting charge, the ICBM is ejected from the TLC, after which the first stage engine is activated.
The dimensions of the new missile have not yet been disclosed. However, the appearance of the self-propelled launcher indicates that it is longer and has a larger diameter than previous Korean ICBMs. Recall that the Hwasongpo-18 is about 25 m long and no more than 2 m in diameter, and its launch weight is estimated at 15-20 tons.
The launcher after the rocket launch
The Hwasongpo-19 missile is believed to be a three-stage missile. All stages use solid-fuel rocket engines, which are distinguished by increased energy efficiency. It is this design that ensures high flight characteristics and the ability to hit targets at strategic ranges.
The first test flight was conducted along a "high" trajectory, but its results can be used to estimate the real parameters of the rocket. Using an optimal, flatter trajectory, the Mars-19 rocket could send the combat unit to a distance of about 15 thousand km.
What kind of warhead the new ICBM carries remains unknown. It may have a multi-warhead stage. The KCNA report mentioned the Hwasongpo-19 missile in the context of nuclear deterrence, which may indicate the possibility of installing nuclear warheads. The DPRK has already established production of such products, and an ICBM with the highest characteristics could be an ideal delivery vehicle.
Given the difference in the sizes of the two rockets, it can be assumed that the new Hwasongpo-19 differs from the previous Mars-18 in its increased payload. It was the increase in the dimensions and mass of the payload that led to the need to increase the diameter of the body.
Special remedy
Thus, the DPRK has developed, tested and is going to put into service a new strategic complex with an intercontinental ballistic missile. The Hwasongpo-19 product is somewhat similar to the existing PGRK and ICBM, but has a number of important differences and advantages. It is expected that these features will help the new complex contribute to the country's defense capability.
The current status of the Mars-19 project remains unknown. KCNA claims that the missile is ready for adoption, but so far only one test launch has taken place. It is unclear whether this is enough to fully test and refine the ICBM design. Perhaps Pyongyang is confident in its capabilities and believes that even such tests have allowed the new PGRK to be fully tested.
If the current assessments of the new missile are correct, then the DPRK has acquired a new delivery vehicle with unique characteristics. Only a few ICBMs in the world have a flight range of about 13-15 thousand km, and now the DPRK is among the narrow circle of their creators. This shows that even in conditions of isolation, the country continues to develop its defense industry and create new models of the most complex weapons, inaccessible even to more developed countries.
The expected range makes the new missile a special military-political tool. Hwasongpo-19 is capable of hitting targets throughout the United States, including the most important facilities on the East Coast. If the missile is equipped with nuclear warheads, its potential and capabilities will reach a completely new level.
Participants in the test launch of Hwasongpo-19
It is reported that in the strategic deterrence system the new Mars-19 ICBM will be used together with Mars-18. This ICBM of the same name PGRK is significantly smaller than the new one, but is assumed to have similar range characteristics. There is reason to believe that it carries a smaller payload, but in the context of combat use this is not a fundamental problem.
One can imagine what military and political leverage Pyongyang will gain by creating a full-size fleet of the Hwasongpo PGRK of the last two models. It will be able to deliver, at a minimum, a tangible and painful retaliatory strike on strategic objects of the enemy. Whether a potential enemy has the means to intercept such missiles, especially during a massive launch, is a big question.
To keep the peace
Both previously and now, the DPRK faces a number of characteristic threats from abroad. One of the main responses to them is considered to be the construction and development of strategic missile forces, as well as the creation of missile systems of different classes and types for them. The latter task is solved in the DPRK with particular enthusiasm and new successes in this matter are regularly demonstrated.
Just a few days ago, North Korea successfully tested a new ICBM with special characteristics. Third countries were able to observe the test launch and draw conclusions, and the official Korean news agency added food for thought. Whether the Hwasongpo-19 will be able to cool hot heads abroad and help improve the situation on the Korean Peninsula is still unclear. However, potential adversaries should now remember this product and take into account its combat capabilities.
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