North Korea demonstrated serial production of Hwasong-11A missiles
North Korea's defense industry is capable of independently developing and mass-producing missile systems of various classes and types. Korea typically demonstrates these capabilities through various tests and exercises. However, recently, this industrial potential was demonstrated in the most graphic way possible—interesting photographs from one of its operating facilities were published.
High visit
On December 26, 2025, the Korean Central News Agency reported that President Kim Jong-un visited leading defense industry facilities, learned about modern developments, and inspected production lines. The North Korean leader was accompanied by high-ranking military and political officials.
Kim Jong-un heard a report on missile production results for the outgoing year 2025, including the final quarter. Enterprises involved in this area successfully met their annual plan, earning praise from the head of state.
At the same time, Kim Jong-un noted the need to increase the production plan for such products for the next 2026. Due to this, the needs of the missile forces and artillery, which will have a positive impact on the state of the armed forces. Furthermore, the DPRK leader called for strengthening the technical base of related enterprises also involved in missile production.
Kim Jong-un inspects missile production
The army's demand for missiles and missile systems is expected to increase in the foreseeable future. Therefore, plans have been drawn up for the construction of new missile industry facilities. The head of state approved these plans, and they will be considered at the Workers' Party of Korea Congress in the near future. Furthermore, there are plans to modernize existing facilities.
Kim Jong-un emphasized that missile weapons are the most important element in deterring a potential adversary. Therefore, increased attention must be paid to the production and modernization of missile and missile system manufacturers.
The official KCNA statement included a series of photographs taken during the country's leader's visit to the plant. Of particular interest are the images, apparently taken in the assembly shop. The shots simultaneously captured dozens of missiles, as well as large components and assemblies used to assemble them.
Rockets in the workshop
The exact facility visited by the North Korean leader is unknown. However, the missiles on display suggest it was the February 11th Plant in Hamhung. According to foreign sources, this is the main facility for the production of short-range and tactical missiles. The theory that this was a new plant appears unlikely at this time.
A large number of missiles were photographed in the factory workshop. The majority of the room was occupied by missiles of a single type. In addition, structural components and warheads were also located there. Also noticeable in the background are the stages of a completely different type of missile.
The missiles occupying the bulk of the workshop are easily recognizable as Hwasong-11ga. This missile is part of the short-range missile system of the same name. The workshop contained missiles at various stages of production, some of which were close to completion. For example, some of the missiles had not yet received their characteristic matte green paint job at the time of this photo. Regardless of their appearance, the missiles were missing their warheads.
Apparently, the footage captured fully-fledged production missiles, not mockups of a simplified design. With photographs from the factory floor, North Korea clearly demonstrates its ability not only to develop missiles but also to produce them in large quantities.
The number of missiles shown is sufficient to form a ready-to-use ammunition complement for several missile battalions. It's clear that finished missiles regularly leave the February 11th Plant's workshop, and subsequent missiles begin to be assembled in their place on the slipways.
It's known that Korean companies build more than just Hwasong-11A missiles. Some components of other types were also captured on camera during Kim Jong-un's recent visit. However, the finished missiles were not shown, although it's clear that they are also being manufactured and supplied to the military.
North Korean industry has reportedly met its missile production plan for the past year. Exact figures are understandably undisclosed, but the DPRK leadership is talking about the need to increase them. To this end, the modernization of existing facilities and the construction of new ones are planned. The consequences of these measures are already clear.
Thus, in just one report from an official event, North Korea demonstrated its industrial potential and its ability to equip its military with modern systems and equipment. However, in this context, they made only vague hints and did not disclose specific figures or plans.
Apparently, Pyongyang is asking potential adversaries to evaluate the materials presented, understand the situation, and draw their own conclusions. Whether the recipients will understand the message, and whether such hints will help the cause of peace, remains a big question.
Mass produced product
At the February 11th Plant, the North Korean leader was shown production missiles for the Hwasong-11ga (Korean for "Mars") system. These missiles are part of the Hwasong-11A family and are also known as the Hwasong-11A and (unofficially, in foreign classifications) the KN-23. Furthermore, due to the external similarity of their ammunition, this system is sometimes referred to as the North Korean Iskander.
According to available data, the Hwasong-11ga was developed in the mid-2010s. The general public first learned about it in 2018, although the system's name remained unknown. In 2019, the missile's first test launch, which destroyed a simulated target, took place. Soon after, the system was accepted into service by the missile forces and artillery.
The Hwasong-11ga system uses a single-stage missile of the same name. It has an elongated conical nose cone and a cylindrical main body housing a solid-fuel motor. The overall length of this missile does not exceed 8,5-8,7 meters. The launch weight is estimated at 3,4-3,5 tons.
The solid-fuel motor accelerates the missile to high speed and maintains its intended trajectory. It enables a range of up to 900 km, depending on the payload weight. These characteristics place the missile beyond the realm of operational-tactical missiles.
The missile has a standard inertial navigation guidance system. According to some reports, the Hwasong-11ga is quasi-ballistic and can maneuver during its descent to counter missile defense systems.
The missile's payload reaches 1,5 tons. It is capable of carrying a single-warhead high-explosive fragmentation warhead. There are also reports of a different type of munition of lighter weight. Concerns have been raised abroad about the possibility of installing a special warhead.
Test launch of the Hwasong-11 missile
The Hwasong-11A missile can be used with a variety of launchers. Initially, a combat vehicle was developed on a special four-axle chassis. It featured a hull with a rear compartment housing a pair of missile launch tubes. This system is highly mobile and can quickly move between positions.
In 2021, the first tests of the rail version of the Hwasong-11ga took place. Two launchers were placed in a modified rail car with an opening roof. This version of the system also boasts relatively high mobility, but is tethered to existing railways.
In March 2023, the first test launch of the Hwasong-11ga missile from a silo was conducted. According to foreign reports, the underground structure was built in just two months. This deployment method prevents the system from changing position but provides improved protection.
Means of deterrence
North Korea seeks to protect itself from attacks by potential adversaries and, to this end, is developing various deterrents. One such tool is ground force missile systems capable of attacking enemy targets at ranges of hundreds of kilometers or more.
During the head of state's recent visit to one of the existing facilities, he was shown the mass production of short-range missiles and their results. The sight of several dozen missiles should influence foreign countries and warn them against rash decisions. If such deterrence fails, North Korea will be forced to use the missiles for their intended purpose.
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