North Korea has significantly advanced its missile technology, developing solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and hypersonic glide vehicles capable of targeting any point in the continental United States. Despite economic challenges and sanctions, Pyongyang’s focus on nuclear deterrence has led to the deployment of systems like the Hwasong-20, Hwasong-18, Hwasong-17, and Hwasong-16B. The country also operates submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) and short-range systems such as the KN-25 and Hwasong-11, enhancing its strategic capabilities.
Key developments include the Hwasong-20, a solid-fuel ICBM with an estimated range of up to 12,000 kilometers, capable of reaching any point on Earth. The Hwasong-18, another ICBM, is also believed to have significant range and payload capabilities. The Hwasong-16B, a hypersonic glide vehicle, can strike targets in Southeast Asia and the Pacific, evading current missile-defense systems. The Hwasong-17, a submarine-launched ballistic missile, has a range of at least 3,000 kilometers.
North Korea has also developed the KN-25 rocket launcher, capable of carrying nuclear warheads and striking targets in South Korea. The Hwasong-11, similar to the Russian Iskander missile, has a range of up to 600 kilometers, providing a nuclear strike capability within the Korean Peninsula.
These advancements highlight North Korea’s growing strategic arsenal and its ability to threaten regional and global stability.