{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2025}} {{short description|North Korean ICBM under development}} {{Infobox weapon | name = Hwasong-20 | image = | image_size = | origin = North Korea | type = Intercontinental ballistic missile | is_missile = Yes | service = Under development | manufacturer = North Korea | used_by = | filling = Nuclear warhead<br />MIRV-capable | weight = | wingspan = | length = | speed = {{cvt|22|Mach|abbr=on}} | design_date = 2025 | engine = Solid-fueled engine | engine_power = {{bulleted list|Original: {{cvt|1960-1971|kN|tf|abbr=on}}|Upgraded: {{cvt|2500|kN|tf|abbr=on}}}} | vehicle_range = Estimated: {{cvt|15000|km|abbr=on}} | launch_platform = 11-axle TEL | guidance = Inertial guidance system | accuracy = Estimated: {{cvt|3-5|km|abbr=on}} }}
The '''Hwasong-20'''{{efn|Officially called '''Hwasongpho-20'''.<ref name="kcna1">{{Cite web|date=11 October 2025|title=Military Parade Marks 80th Founding Anniversary of WPK|url=http://kcna.kp/en/article/q/4299fe1539fa9f2b9ecd499a4d3754e3.kcmsf|access-date=2025-11-10|website=Korean Central News Agency|quote=The spectators broke into the most enthusiastic cheers when the column of Hwasongpho-20 ICBMs, the most powerful nuclear strategic weapon system of the DPRK, entered the square, filling the track.}}</ref>}} ({{Korean|hangul=《화성포-20》형|lit=Mars Artillery Type 20|context=north}}) 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.
== Description == {{External media|float=right|title=Images of the Hwasong-20|headerimage=|image1=[https://cdn-images.vtv.vn/thumb_w/1200/66349b6076cb4dee98746cf1/2025/10/05/ap25278267134722-58073390120895460102010.jpg The missile and TEL in the "Defense Development-2025" military exhibition]|image2=[https://mediaptq.mediatech.vn/upload/image/202605/medium/97317_ten_lua_lien_luc_dia_cua_trieu_tien_1778114836077545340995_14353407.jpg?id=97317 The TEL in the October 2025 parade]|width=270px}} ===Missile=== The Hwasong-20 is officially called "next-generation" ICBM by the state-owned Korean Central News Agency.<ref name="kcnasep25">{{Cite web|date=2 September 2025|title=Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Learns about Composite Carbon Fiber Material Production Process and Production of High-thrust Missile Engine|url=http://kcna.kp/en/article/q/52e7028b7cdaf5dc83aaaaf384e47c18.kcmsf|access-date=2025-09-15|website=Korean Central News Agency}}</ref> Although detailed specifications remain little known,<ref name="timesidn">{{Cite web|date=2025-10-12|first1=Widodo|last1=Irianto|first2=Ronny|last2=Wicaksono|first3=Sofyan|last3=Saqi Futaki|title=Ini Dia Wujud Rudal Balistik Antar Benua Baru Milik Korut yang Bisa Jangkau Daratan AS|trans-title=This is North Korea's new intercontinental ballistic missile, which can reach the US mainland|url=https://timesindonesia.co.id/peristiwa-internasional/559590/ini-dia-wujud-rudal-balistik-antar-benua-baru-milik-korut-yang-bisa-jangkau-daratan-as|access-date=2026-01-22|website=TIMES Indonesia|lang=id}}</ref> Hwasong-20 is assessed to be a three-stage, solid-fueled missile, estimated to have a wider body diameter than Hwasong-19.<ref name="vnn326">{{Cite web|author=Đào Cảnh|date=2026-03-16|title=Tên lửa Hwasong-20 tầm bắn 15.000km, công nghệ MIRV, ‘xóa sổ’ mọi mục tiêu|trans-title=Hwasong-20 missile with 15,000 km range, MIRV technology, destroying all targets|url=https://vietnamnet.vn/ten-lua-hwasong-20-tam-ban-15-000km-cong-nghe-mirv-xoa-so-moi-muc-tieu-2497312.html|access-date=2026-03-16|website=VietNamNet|language=vi}}</ref> It is mobile, hard to detect and can be launched at short notice.<ref name="scmp">{{Cite web|last=Park|first=Chan-kyong|date=11 October 2025|title=North Korea unveils ‘most powerful nuclear strategic weapon’ capable of reaching all of US|url=https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3328614/north-korea-unveils-most-powerful-nuclear-strategic-weapon-capable-reaching-all-us|access-date=2025-10-11|website=South China Morning Post|url-access=subscription|quote=The solid-fuel Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missiles are mobile, difficult to detect and ready to be launched at short notice.}}</ref>
With an estimated operational range of {{cvt|15000|km|abbr=on}}, Hwasong-20 can theoretically reach all territories of the United States.<ref name="vnn">{{Cite web|author=Đào Cảnh|date=15 September 2025|title=Tên lửa Hwasong-20 tầm bắn 15.000km, công nghệ MIRV, thay đổi cuộc chơi quân sự toàn cầu|trans-title=Hwasong-20 missile with range of 15,000km, MIRV technology, changing the global military game|url=https://vietnamnet.vn/ten-lua-hwasong-20-tam-ban-15-000km-thay-doi-cuoc-choi-quan-su-toan-cau-2442068.html|access-date=2025-09-15|website=VietNamNet|language=vi}}</ref> However, a Korean Central Television commentator claims Hwasong-20 to have a "limitless" range.<ref name="kyunghyang">{{Cite web|date=2025-10-12|last=Kwak|first=Hee-yang|script-title=ko:베일 벗은 ‘화성-20형’…북 “타격 사정권 한계 없다”|trans-title=The Hwasong-20 missile is unveiled... North Korea claims its strike range is "limitless"|url=https://www.khan.co.kr/article/202510122037005|access-date=2026-02-04|website=Kyunghyang Shinmun|lang=ko}}</ref> The missile's maximum speed is estimated to be {{cvt|22|Mach|abbr=on}}, meaning Hwasong-20 can reach cities within the contiguous United States between 25 and 40 minutes.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2026-03-19|author=Huỳnh Dũng|title=Giải mã sức mạnh Tên lửa Hwasong-20 của Triều Tiên: Công nghệ đặc biệt khiến việc đánh chặn trở nên khó hơn bao giờ hết|trans-title=Decoding the power of North Korea's Hwasong-20 missile: Special technology makes interception harder than ever|url=https://danviet.vn/giai-ma-suc-manh-ten-lua-hwasong-20-cua-trieu-tien-cong-nghe-dac-biet-khien-viec-danh-chan-tro-nen-kho-hon-bao-gio-het-d1411267.html|access-date=2026-03-20|website=Dân Việt|lang=vi}}</ref> It also features a blunt warhead,<ref>{{Cite web|date=13 October 2025|title=[News Today] ‘Hwasong-20’ ICBM features a blunt warhead|url=https://news.kbs.co.kr/news/pc/view/view.do?ncd=8379200|access-date=2025-10-13|website=KBS News}}</ref> suggesting the missile is MIRV-capable, capable of evading United States's missile defenses.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2025-10-12|last1=Lee|first1=Yu-jeong|last2=Shim|first2=Seok-yong|script-title=ko:북 “최강 핵무기” 화성 20형 공개…극초음속미사일도 내놨다|trans-title=North Korea unveils Hwasong-20, its "most powerful nuclear weapon", and also unveils a hypersonic missile|url=https://www.joongang.co.kr/article/25373181|access-date=2026-01-22|website=JoongAng Ilbo|lang=ko}}</ref><ref name="bna">{{Cite web|author=Thành Vinh|title=Giải mã Hwasong-20: Thế hệ tên lửa xuyên lục địa mới nhất của Triều Tiên|trans-title=Decoding the Hwasong-20: North Korea's latest ICBM generation|url=https://baonghean.vn/giai-ma-hwasong-20-the-he-ten-lua-xuyen-luc-dia-moi-nhat-cua-trieu-tien-10319089.html|website=Báo Nghệ An|publisher=Nghe An Newspaper and Radio, Television|date=2026-01-08|access-date=2026-01-27|lang=vi}}</ref> The estimated payload mass is more than two metric tonnes, including a possible number of six to eight re-entry vehicles.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Đào Cảnh|date=2026-03-17|title=Tên lửa Minuteman III tốc độ Mach 23 'so găng' Hwasong-20 tầm bắn 15.000km, thế giới 'nín thở'|trans-title=Minuteman III missile with Mach 23 speed 'fight' with 15.000 km-range Hwasong-20, making the world nervous|url=https://vietnamnet.vn/ten-lua-minuteman-iii-mach-23-dau-hwasong-20-tam-ban-15000km-the-gioi-nin-tho-2497326.html|access-date=2026-05-10|website=VietNamNet|language=vi}}</ref>
The missile uses an advanced guidance system, combining inertial guidance system (INS) with GPS or optical sensors to increase accuracy,<ref>{{Cite web|author=Đào Cảnh|date=11 October 2025|title=Tên lửa Hwasong-20 AI tầm bắn 15.000km, công nghệ hạt nhân đỉnh cao, 'thay đổi quân sự toàn cầu'|trans-title=Hwasong-20 missile with AI technology, 15,000 km range, advanced nuclear technology, 'changing global military'|url=https://vietnamnet.vn/ten-lua-hwasong-20-tam-ban-15-000km-cong-nghe-ai-thay-doi-quan-su-toan-cau-2451494.html|access-date=2025-10-11|website=VietNamNet|language=vi}}</ref> with an estimated circular error probable of {{cvt|3-5|km|abbr=on}}.<ref name="viettimes">{{Cite web|author=Thu Thủy|date=2025-10-11|title=Giải mã tên lửa đạn đạo liên lục địa mới Hwasong-20 Triều Tiên ra mắt trong lễ duyệt binh|trans-title=Decoding North Korea's new Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile unveiled at military parade|url=https://viettimes.vn/giai-ma-ten-lua-dan-dao-lien-luc-dia-moi-hwasong-20-trieu-tien-ra-mat-trong-le-duyet-binh-post190365.html|access-date=2025-10-11|website=VietTimes|language=vi}}</ref> South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff alleges that North Korea may have received Russian technology assistance and support to develop Hwasong-20.<ref>{{cite web|date=2025-10-14|author=Hà Đào |url=https://tuoitre.vn/han-quoc-nghi-nga-giup-trieu-tien-phat-trien-sieu-ten-lua-hwasong-20-20251015002218622.htm|title=Hàn Quốc nghi Nga giúp Triều Tiên phát triển siêu tên lửa Hwasong-20|trans-title=South Korea alleges Russia to help North Korea developing Hwasong-20|website=Tuổi Trẻ|access-date=2026-01-27|lang=vi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=14 October 2025|title=JCS Chief: Russia Could Have Provided Technical Support for N. Korea's New Hwasong-20 ICBM|url=https://world.kbs.co.kr/service/news_view.htm?lang=e&Seq_Code=196633|access-date=2026-01-27|website=KBS World}}</ref>
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.<ref name="38north">{{Cite web|first=Vann H.|last=Van Diepen|author-link=Vann Van Diepen|date=4 November 2025|title=It Is Autumn in North Korea, and the Missiles Are Changing. Are They Past Peak?|url=https://www.38north.org/2025/11/it-is-autumn-in-north-korea-and-the-missiles-are-changing-are-they-past-peak/|access-date=2025-11-06|website=38 North}}</ref> ===Engine=== North Korean press releases indicate that Hwasong-20 will use a {{cvt|1,960-1971|kN|tf|abbr=on}}-thrust solid-fueled engine.<ref>{{Cite web|first=Vann H.|last=Van Diepen|author-link=Vann Van Diepen|date=2025-10-15|title=Future Missile/Space Developments Presaged; WMD Possession Underscored|url=https://www.38north.org/2025/10/future-missile-space-developments-presaged-wmd-possession-underscored/|access-date=2026-02-04|website=38 North}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web|date=10 September 2025|title=Triều Tiên có bước ngoặt trong chương trình phát triển tên lửa?|trans-title=Is North Korea has a turning point in its missile development program?|url=https://langsontv.vn/news/462/89795/trieu-tien-co-buoc-ngoat-trong-chuong-trinh-phat-trien-ten-lua|access-date=2025-09-15|website=Langson Radio & Television|publisher=Lang Son Newspaper and Radio, Television|language=vi}}</ref>
Hwasong-20 may also have an upgraded version with a {{cvt|2500|kN|tf|abbr=on}}-thrust engine, revealed in late-March 2026 by North Korean state media without citing exact date of ground-testing.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2026-03-30|title=“คิม จองอึน” คุมทดสอบเครื่องยนต์ขีปนาวุธแรงสูงรุ่นใหม่ เร่งยกระดับศักยภาพโจมตี|trans-title=Kim Jong Un oversees testing of new high-thrust missile engine, accelerating the upgrading of attack capabilities|url=https://www.thairath.co.th/news/foreign/2923487|access-date=2026-04-05|website=Thairath|lang=th}}</ref>
===Launch vehicle=== Like the Hwasong-19, Hwasong-20 uses a 11-axle TEL.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2025-10-13|first1=Soram|last1=Cheon|title=Pyongyang's new ICBM blends technical ambition with political theater|url=https://www.ajupress.com/view/20251013160636472|access-date=2026-01-27|website=Aju Press}}</ref> 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.<ref name="38north" />
== History == North Korea first mentioned Hwasong-20 on 2 September 2025 at a press report.<ref name="38north" /><ref name="nknews">{{Cite web|first=Colin|last=Zwirko|date=2 September 2025|title=North Korea announces new Hwasong-20 nuclear missile as Kim arrives in China|url=https://www.nknews.org/2025/09/north-korea-announces-larger-hwasong-20-icbm-plans-ahead-of-kims-china-visit/|access-date=2025-09-15|website=NK News|url-access=limited}}</ref> According to North Korean state media, between 2023 and 2 September 2025, the Hwasong-20's engine underwent eight static firing tests.<ref name="kcnasep25" /> This is the first time North Korea has revealed details of a new ICBM under development.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2 September 2025|title=Triều Tiên dần tiết lộ đang phát triển tên lửa xuyên lục địa thế hệ mới|trans-title=North Korea is gradually revealing the development of new generation ICBM|url=https://langsontv.vn/news/462/89418/trieu-tien-dan-tiet-lo-dang-phat-trien-ten-lua-xuyen-luc-dia-the-he-moi|access-date=2026-02-04|website=Langson Radio & Television|publisher=Lang Son Newspaper and Radio, Television|lang=vi}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{Cite web|date=9 September 2025|title=DPRK Missile Administration Conducts Ground Jet Test of Carbon Fiber Solid-fuel Engine|url=http://kcna.kp/en/article/q/4736fa71157b279c5afe84e8f26c7cd3.kcmsf|access-date=2026-01-11|website=Korean Central News Agency}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Park|first=Boram|date=9 September 2025|title=(LEAD) N. Korea's Kim oversees test of high-thrust, solid-fuel carbon fiber missile engine: KCNA|url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20250909001051315|access-date=2025-09-15|website=Yonhap News Agency}}</ref> North Korean state media claimed the engine to produce a thrust of {{cvt|1,971|kN|tf|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kim|first=Tong-hyung|date=9 September 2025|title=North Korea conducts its final ground test of a solid-fuel engine for long-range missiles|url=https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-rocket-engine-icbm-kim-jong-un-a72c2076435402c08ea57f47faac1d5f|access-date=2026-02-04|website=AP News|publisher=Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=9 September 2025|title=North Korea’s Kim heralds new ICBM rocket engine test as ‘significant’|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/9/north-koreas-kim-heralds-new-icbm-rocket-engine-test-as-significant|access-date=2025-09-15|website=Al Jazeera}}</ref> This engine test suggested that the launch of Hwasong-20 may take place soon.<ref name="nknews2">{{Cite web|first=Colin|last=Zwirko|date=9 September 2025|title=North Korea conducts engine test for new long-range nuclear missile|url=https://www.nknews.org/2025/09/north-korea-conducts-engine-test-for-new-long-range-nuclear-missile/|access-date=2025-09-15|website=NK News|url-access=limited}}</ref>
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.<ref name="timesidn" /><ref>{{Cite web|first1=Joyce|last1=Lee|first2=Josh|last2=Smith|date=2025-10-11|title=North Korea holds military parade, shows off new intercontinental missile|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/north-korea-holds-military-parade-shows-off-new-intercontinental-missile-2025-10-10/|access-date=2026-02-04|website=Reuters}}</ref> In this parade, North Korea called Hwasong-20 as "the most powerful nuclear strategic weapon".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Yun|first=Sang-ho|date=13 October 2025|title=Hwasong-20 ICBM revealed at North Korea parade|url=https://www.donga.com/en/article/all/20251013/5896825/1|access-date=2026-03-19|website=The Dong-A Ilbo}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Kim|first=Soo-yeon|date=11 October 2025|title=N. Korea rolls out new Hwasong-20 ICBM at military parade to mark party anniv.|url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20251011001000315|access-date=2025-10-11|website=Yonhap News Agency}}</ref> At least three missiles were mounted on 11-axle launchers.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Kim|first1=Tong-hyung|last2=Kim|first2=Hyung-jin|date=2025-10-11|title=North Korea displays new long-range missile at a military parade celebrating Kim Jong Un|url=https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-missile-kim-jong-un-8a6b9f3498d50effe3f72969bfe9c842|access-date=2026-02-04|website=AP News|publisher=Associated Press|quote=The parade saw the debut of the massive Hwasong-20, with at least three of them wheeled out on 11-axle launcher trucks.}}</ref> It is possible that these missiles were mock-ups, as North Korea's MIRV technology has not been verified.<ref name="viettimes" />
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.<ref name="38north" />
== See also == * LGM-118 Peacekeeper * LGM-35 Sentinel * DF-61
== Notes == {{Notelist|group=efn}}
== References == {{reflist}}
{{DPRK missiles}} Category:Intercontinental ballistic missiles of North Korea Category:Weapons and ammunition introduced in 2025 Category:MIRV capable missiles