North Korea has recently conducted a test of its latest intercontinental ballistic missile (IBM) known as the Hwasong-18. This three-stage solid-fueled missile represents a significant technological achievement for North Korea as it utilizes solid fuels, enabling faster launch capabilities. The missile was publicly unveiled during a grand parade held in February 2023, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People’s Army.
The Hwasong-18’s successful test flight, lasting a remarkable 74 minutes, marks the longest duration ever recorded for a North Korean missile test. The utilization of solid fuels allows for quicker development and deployment of missiles, making North Korea’s offensive military strategy more agile. This advancement has the potential to greatly enhance the effectiveness of their nuclear retaliatory posture.
Solid-fueled ICBMs, like the Hwasong-18, offer distinct advantages over their liquid-fueled counterparts. The propellant used in solid-fueled missiles is a stable mixture of fuel and oxidizer, enabling long-term storage without significant degradation. Additionally, these missiles can be prepared for launch more swiftly as they do not require time-consuming fueling procedures. Their compact design also makes them highly mobile, allowing for easy transportation on vehicles without the need for additional fueling equipment.
Intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) are specifically designed for the delivery of nuclear weapons and possess a range greater than 5,500 km. They distinguish themselves from other types of ballistic missiles by their extended range and payload capacity. Initially developed by the Soviet Union in 1958, the United States followed suit a year later, with China joining the club approximately two decades after.
A three-stage ICBM, such as the Hwasong-18, employs a sequential propulsion system to propel the missile toward its intended target. The boost stage, the first stage, is responsible for lifting the missile off the ground and accelerating it to high velocities. The second stage guides the missile toward its destination using a combination of internal guidance systems and external tracking systems. Finally, the terminal stage ensures precise targeting and delivery of the missile to its intended location.