In the history of humanity, Hwasong-11E has played a fundamental role in the development and evolution of society. Since its inception, Hwasong-11E has captured people's attention and imagination, inspiring all kinds of experiences, emotions and reflections. Whether due to its impact on popular culture, its influence in the scientific field or its relevance in world politics, Hwasong-11E has left an indelible mark on history. In this article we will explore the role that Hwasong-11E has played over time and how it has shaped the course of humanity in different aspects.
| Hwasong-11E | |
|---|---|
| Type | Short-range or medium-range ballistic missile |
| Place of origin | North Korea |
| Service history | |
| In service | Under development |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 2025 |
| Manufacturer | North Korea |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 3,400 kg (7,500 lb) |
| Length | 7.3–9.8 m (24–32 ft) |
| Diameter | 0.9 m (2 ft 11 in) |
| Warhead | Hypersonic glide vehicle |
| Engine | Solid-fueled engine |
Operational range | 800–1,500 km (500–930 mi) (estimated) |
Launch platform | 5-axle TEL |
The Hwasong-11E[a] (Korean: 화성-11마; lit. Mars Type 11E) is a North Korean short-range or medium-range ballistic missile. It was first revealed on 4 October 2025 during a military exhibition and is currently under development.
| Images of the Hwasong-11E | |
|---|---|
The Hwasong-11E appears to use the same booster and five-axle TEL as Hwasong-11C, the larger variant of Hwasong-11A (KN-23). Like the other road-mobile variants of Hwasong-11A, the Hwasong-11E's TEL can carry two missiles.[3] Open-source assessments indicate that the Hwasong-11E's length and diameter are estimated to be 7.3–9.8 m (24–32 ft) and 0.9 m (2 ft 11 in) respectively, while its launch mass is also judged to be 3,400 kg (7,500 lb).[4]
The missile features a hypersonic glide vehicle,[5] which has small control fins and a lift-generating body.[1] It is identical to other wedge-shaped similar vehicles mounted on other ballistic missiles that North Korea has tested before, such as Hwasong-8 and Hwasong-16B.[6] Its range is estimated to be from 800 km (500 mi),[7] which is the range of a short-range ballistic missile,[8] to 1,500 km (930 mi), making Hwasong-11E to be a medium-range ballistic missile.[9]
The Hwasong-11E may bring North Korea additional hypersonic-speed strike capability for use against South Korea's better-protected targets,[6] including airfields, command centers and weapons storage facilities.[10] According to South Korean media, as the Hwasong-11E's warhead may reach a speed of over Mach 5 (6,100 km/h; 3,800 mph) and fly at low altitude,[11] it's capable of evading the air defense systems of the United States and South Korea.[12]
It is possible that North Korea developed Hwasong-11E based on Hwasong-11A's combat performance in Russian invasion of Ukraine.[11]
According to North Korean official Pak Jong-chon, Hwasong-11E is a new weapon system that have a "new strategic value", reflecting the development of North Korean defense industry. Given North Korea's tactical missile production capacity is one of the largest in the world, the research and development cycle of the Hwasong-11E can be shortened and the missile may enter mass production.[13]
During the military exhibition "Defence Development-2025" held on 4 October 2025,[14] North Korea unveiled Hwasong-11E.[8] It was showcased along with other weapons, including Hwasong-18,[15] Hwasong-19 (later confirmed as Hwasong-20),[3] supersonic cruise missiles and anti-submarine missiles.[15] Several days later, on 10 October 2025, North Korea displayed the missile during a military parade.[16]
An alleged test-fire occurred on 22 October 2025.[17][18]
| Attempt | Date (Pyongyang Standard Time) | Location | Outcome | Additional notes | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unconfirmed | 22 October 2025 | Ryokpho District, Pyongyang | Success | South Korean military detected the launch of multiple ballistic missiles at 8:10 a.m., and the missiles flew about 350 km (220 mi).
North Korean state media confirmed the launch of two missiles, which was organized by the Missile Administration. The missiles were called "important weapon system" and "hypersonic projectiles" without mentioning official designation. However, there is no clear evidence that the test involved Hwasong-11E, and it is possible that the missiles were Hwasong-11C-4.5. The missiles flew in a northeast direction and hit their preset target in Orang County, North Hamgyong Province, 430 km (270 mi) away from launch point. |
[17][18][19][20][21] |
Related development
Comparable missiles