The Hwasong-9[4][a] (Korean: 《화성-9》형; lit. Mars Type 9; KN-04 under United States’s naming convention)[3] is a North Korean single-stage, liquid-fueled medium-range ballistic missile.

It is the enlarged version of the Hwasong-6 missile, with extended range.[1]

Description

The Hwasong-9 is an advanced version of Hwasong-6 with a longer, lighter and wider body to storing more propellants. It also has a separable warhead that is separated after engine burnout for improving the trajectory stability and reducing radar signature.[3]

Compare with Hwasong-6, it can exchange payload for greater range; estimates range from 700–995 km (435–618 mi) to as much as 1,000 km (620 mi) through a reduced payload of 500 kg (1,100 lb) and enlarging the propellant tanks. It is a single-stage, road mobile missile that can employ a high-explosive, submunition, chemical, or potentially miniaturized nuclear warhead with a 3 km (1.9 mi) CEP. Its range allows the North Korean military to strike anywhere on the Korean peninsula and threaten areas of Japan.[1][5]

History

Reportedly, North Korea began developing Hwasong-9 in 1991 and could start production from 1994.[1]

Reports suggest Syria received these missiles in 2000, enabling them to target all of Israel and southeastern Turkey, including Ankara.[1] Syria also converted its own Hwasong-6 production line in order to make the Hwasong-9.[1][5]

According to the United Nations, since 2008, North Korea has assisted Syria in development of manoeuvrable vehicles for Hwasong-9.[6]

In 2024, Hwasong-9 was reported to be used during Russian invasion of Ukraine from November 2023.[7]

Tests

Attempt Date (Pyongyang Standard Time) Location Number of missiles tested Outcome Additional notes
1 5 September 2016 Hwangju, North Hwanghae Province[8] 3 Success These missiles flew for 9 minutes, achieved 1,000 km (620 mi) range and around 200 km (120 mi) apogee.[2] The launch was supervised by Kim Jong Un.[9]
2 6 March 2017 Sohae Satellite Launching Station[8] 4 (or 5) Success (four missiles)
Failure (possible fifth missile) 		These missiles launched simultaneously, achieved 260 km (160 mi) apogee and 1,000 km (620 mi) range. Three of four missiles landed just inside Japan’s air defense identification zone.[10][8] Kim Jong Un also supervised the launch.[11] It is possible that a fifth missile was launched in this salvo, but it appears to be failed shortly after launch.[8][12]

North Korea may also test Hwasong-9 in 2006, 2009, and 2014, but due to the similarities between the variants, it is difficult to confirm the exact missile used for each launch.[1]

Notes

  1. ^ Also known as Scud-ER (Scud Extended Range).[1][3]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Hwasong-9 (Scud-ER)". Center for Strategic and International Studies. 8 August 2016. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
  2. ^ a b c Markus Schiller; Robert H. Schmucker (8 November 2016). "Flashback to the Past: North Korea's "New" Extended-Range Scud" (PDF). 38 North. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "DPRK Military Parade Viewbook 2022" (PDF). Open Nuclear Network. 21 April 2022. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
  4. ^ Vladimir Khrustalev (16 July 2017). "Real Name!". NEAMS. Archived from the original on 13 August 2017. Retrieved 28 August 2017.
  5. ^ a b "Hwasong-9 (Scud-ER/Scud-D Variant)". Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
  6. ^ James Bingham (4 April 2018). "UN report reveals extent of North Korean arms sales". Janes Information Services. Archived from the original on 6 April 2018. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
  7. ^ Thế Duy (21 October 2024). "Tên lửa Triều Tiên Hwasong-9 được phát hiện tấn công mục tiêu ở Ukraine" [North Korean missile Hwasong-9 was detected hitting target in Ukraine]. Báo Công Thương (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 9 February 2025.
  8. ^ a b c d "The CNS North Korea Missile Test Database". Nuclear Threat Initiative. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
  9. ^ "Kim Jong Un Guides Fire Drill of Ballistic Rockets". Korean Central News Agency. 6 September 2016. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
  10. ^ John Schilling (8 March 2017). "Much Ado About Nothing: DPRK's Latest Missile Test Reveals No New Capabilities". 38 North. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
  11. ^ "Kim Jong Un Supervises Ballistic Rockets Launching Drill of Hwasong Artillery Units of KPA Strategic Force". Korean Central News Agency. 7 March 2017. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
  12. ^ Dave Schmerler (16 March 2017). "Did North Korea test a fifth missile last week?". NK Pro. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
Allikas: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hwasong-9
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