The military authorities stated North Korea’s intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Hwasong-19 is a new model rather than an upgraded version of existing models. Hwasong-19 achieved a record altitude without former testing, raising the possibility of Russian support.
Yoo Yong Won, a member of the National Defense Committee from the People Power Party, reported on Monday that North Korea launched Hwasong-19 without conducting new engine tests. The evaluation comes from the Defense Intelligence Agency.
While North Korea conducted a ground test for a medium-range ballistic missile engine on November 15 and a separate ground test for a multi-stage engine for a new hypersonic missile in March, there have been no further signs of solid-fuel engine tests since then.
The military assessed the Hwasong-19 as a distinct model, not merely an upgrade of the solid-fuel Hwasong-18. North Korean state media claims the Hwasong-19 is the “ultimate version of the ICBM,” reporting that it traveled 1,001.2 kilometers (622.16 miles) and reached a maximum altitude of 7,687.5 kilometers (4,776.46 miles), with a total flight time of 85 minutes and 56 seconds during its test launch.
The Defense Intelligence Agency noted, “Considering the increase in the missile’s body length and diameter, as well as the maximum altitude, the Hwasong-19 is assessed to be a new ICBM distinct from the Hwasong-18.”
The Defense Intelligence Agency stated, “Considering the increase in the missile’s length and diameter, as well as its maximum altitude, the Hwasong-19 is assessed to be a new ICBM distinct from the Hwasong-18.” While some analysts view the Hwasong-19 as a slightly larger version of the Hwasong-18, the assessment points to it as an entirely new missile.
The military suggested that there is a possibility North Korea could be receiving technological support under the guise of “cooperation in the field of space technology,” which could then be redirected for ballistic missile development.
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