Kim Jong Un's Expanding Missile Arsenal

North Korea’s missile capabilities under Kim Jong Un have entered an unprecedented era of growth and sophistication. From solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) to hypersonic weapons and submarine-launched cruise missiles, Kim’s strategic ambitions are no longer just about deterrence, they are now about global reach, operational readiness, and a multi-layered response capacity.

Hwasong-18 and Hwasong-19

One of the most significant advancements has been the deployment of solid-fueled ICBMs. The Hwasong-18, successfully test-launched in April 2023, marked a turning point. With a high-altitude lofted trajectory lasting nearly 75 minutes, it demonstrated both mobility and survivability — key advantages over older, liquid-fueled designs. This was further outdone by the Hwasong-19, a larger, three-stage missile that flew for over 85 minutes and is suspected to be capable of carrying multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs). These developments dramatically increase North Korea’s ability to strike U.S. territories with minimal preparation time, complicating missile defense systems.

Hwasong-18

Hwasong-19

Hypersonic Glide Vehicles and Tactical Reach

North Korea’s emphasis on maneuverable, high-speed weapons was further demonstrated with the Hwasong-8, a hypersonic glide vehicle that first gained attention in late 2021. Capable of exceeding Mach 5 and evading traditional interceptors, this system presents a new layer of threat, especially in the event of a rapid, first-strike scenario. Alongside these, tactical missiles such as the KN-23 and KN-24 have been consistently tested, offering a credible and flexible strike option against South Korean and Japanese targets.

Rising Threat from the Sea (SLBMs and Naval Missiles)

North Korea has also intensified its underwater missile program. The Pukguksong-1 and the newly unveiled Pukguksong-6 are key players in the submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) category. Though not yet confirmed through full tests, the latter may possess MIRV capabilities and intercontinental range, according to state media visuals and military analysts.

In January 2024, the test of the Pulhwasal-3-31, a submarine-launched cruise missile, highlighted a significant leap in undersea strike capability. This missile reportedly stayed airborne for more than two hours, reinforcing North Korea’s intent to deploy stealthy, second-strike options that bypass land-based detection.

Militarizing the Seas (Destroyers and Nuclear Submarines)

Pyongyang’s maritime expansion doesn’t end with SLBMs. The newly unveiled Choe Hyon-class destroyer, a 5,000-ton warship, has been equipped with vertical launch systems believed to host hypersonic or nuclear-capable missiles. North Korea has also claimed to be working on a nuclear-powered submarine, a development that, if completed, would represent a major leap toward second-strike deterrence and open-ocean patrol capabilities.

Rocket Launchers and Regional Edge

Tactical superiority in the Korean Peninsula is being bolstered through mass production of 600mm KN-25 rocket launchers. Kim has personally inspected production sites and ordered over 30 launchers deployed across the country. These large-caliber rocket systems can strike targets anywhere in South Korea and are believed to be nuclear-capable, raising red flags in Seoul and Tokyo.

Strategic and Geopolitical Implications

Kim Jong Un’s missile doctrine is no longer centered purely on defense. His focus is now on pre-emptive strike potential, survivability of launch platforms, and layered deterrence integrating land-based, naval, and submarine-launched systems. The increasing reliability and mobility of solid-fueled missiles, coupled with hypersonic and MIRV technologies, complicate the calculations of any adversary.

Furthermore, North Korea’s growing cooperation with Russia, including reports of missile launcher transfers and potential technology sharing, has raised alarms across the international community. This geopolitical alignment could accelerate Pyongyang’s missile innovation and pose a wider threat to regional and global stability.

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