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The Hwasong-11D (Korean: 《화성포-11라》형; lit. Mars Artillery Type 11D) is a North Korean single-stage, solid-fueled tactical ballistic missile.

It is the smaller variant of the Hwasong-11A (KN-23) missile, with reduced range.

The missile’s official name was revealed in the KCNA's report on the new Hwasan-31 nuclear warhead in late March 2023.

Design, development and characteristics

Hwasong-11D has similar range compared to the Hwasong-11 (KN-02), and could be a counterpart to the South Korean's KTSSM. The launches were accompanied with a statement, associating them with the development of tactical nuclear weapons. Hwasong-11D follows a near-ballistic trajectory, with approximately 50 km (31 mi) apogee. This low apogee, combined with its short flight time and terminal maneuverability, makes it difficult for traditional missile defense systems to detect and intercept. Moreover, the missile’s improved accuracy reduces the number of missiles required to attack the target. Also, Hwasong-11D can have better survivability against missile defenses if the missile is equipped with smaller and lighter tactical nuclear warheads and retaining the Hwasong-11A's maneuverability, thus allowing it to threaten shorter range targets.

Some TELs of Hwasong-11D were displayed in military parades on 25 April 2022 and 8 February 2023. Each TEL can deploy up to four Hwasong-11D missiles.

Tests

Hwasong-11D made its public debut on 16 April 2022, when two Hwasong-11D missiles were first launched. Both missiles achieved 25 km (16 mi) apogee and 110 km (68 mi) range. Kim Jong Un oversaw the launch.

Another pair of Hwasong-11D was launched at the morning on 3 November 2022 (local time). These missiles flew 330 km (210 mi) and achieved an apogee of 70 km (43 mi). On 7 November 2022, North Korea released statement for missile launches from 2 to 5 November. A photo from the April 2022 test was reused for this statement to refer to the November test.

A salvo of six Hwasong-11D missiles was launched from Taesong Lake, South Pyongan Province on 9 March 2023. The launch was supervised by Kim Jong Un and his daughter.

On 17 May 2024, North Korea tested another Hwasong-11D. Kim Jong Un supervised the launch. According to North Korean state media, the missile employed a new autonomous navigation system. South Korean's Joint Chiefs of Staff reported the launch of several Hwasong-11D SRBMs from Wonsan at 3:10 p.m. (local time). The missiles flew 300 km (190 mi) before landing in the East China Sea.

Operational usage

At least 45 Hwasong-11D TELs were visible in the KCNA report of Kim Jong Un's inspection to an unnamed missile launcher factory on 8 and 9 January 2024. The report said that the factories had “deployed new weapon types and equipment to the first-line large combined units and major missile units”, suggests that Hwasong-11D is operational.

Between 11 May and 12 May 2024, Kim Jong Un visited another unnamed factory. Around 99 Hwasong-11D's TELs were visible.

North Korea held a ceremony to send 250 Hwasong-11D's TELs to the frontline military units at the Inter-Korean border on 4 August 2024.

See also

• Hwasong-11A (KN-23)
• Hwasong-11B (KN-24)
• Hwasong-11C
• Hwasong-11S
• KTSSM

Notes

1. Also alternatively known as Hwasong-11Ra, Hwasongpho-11Ra, Hwasongpho-11D.

References

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24. "North Korea claims it's sending 250 new missile launchers toward the South Korean border". CNN. 4 August 2024. Retrieved 2025-01-03.
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• Short-range ballistic missiles
• Ballistic missiles of North Korea