# Hwasong-11S

The Hwasong-11S (Korean: 《화성포-11ㅅ》형; lit. Mars Artillery Type 11S) is a North Korean solid-fueled submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM).

## Description

Hwasong-11S is the underwater-launched variant of the Hwasong-11A (KN-23). It is a single-stage, solid-fueled missile with four bumps around the tail section. Four grid fins, which folded before launch, are located between the four bumps. After its maiden launch, it was determined that the bumps and grid fins were a part of the gas generator. The new missile also features improved control, such as "flank" and "gliding skip" mobilities.
German analyst Norbert Brügge claimed the missile to be a modified version of Pukguksong-1 with two stages, a longer body and a longer warhead.
Information from the 19 October 2021 launch suggests that the missile is fitted with a gas generator to cold launch out of the submarine's missile tube into the air, before the ignition of main engine. Compared to previous North Korean SLBMs like the Pukguksong-1 and its larger derivatives, it retains the depressed trajectory and manoeuvring flight characteristics of Hwasong-11A (KN-23) to try to evade missile defence systems. Since it is based on a missile with a shorter range than the Pukguksong-series, the submarine would need to get closer to its target in order to launch, leaving it more vulnerable to detection and destruction before it can be fired. Its development may be more of a political statement than an effort to create a viable weapon, as the test occurred weeks after South Korea tested their own Hyunmoo-2B's SLBM version, Hyunmoo 4-4, both of which are derived from the same Iskander design base.
Based on informations and photos on the 25 September 2022 launch, it was determined that the missile was launched from a silo under a reservoir. However, it is likely the missile was fired from a submersible barge containing launch silos. It is unknown whether such a system will be pursued as a serious launch method, or if it was a demonstration of another capability to deter South Korean preemption strategies by adding another potential deployment method.

## History

North Korea first displayed Hwasong-11S in October 2021, during the "Self-Defence 2021" military exhibition without revealing its official name. In the exhibition, the missile was displayed beside two SLBMs: Pukguksong-1 and Pukguksong-5. Due to its small size compared to the Pukguksong-series SLBM, it was unofficially called as "small SLBM".
About one week after the exhibition, on 19 October 2021, Hwasong-11S was first test-fired, however, the official designation was also unknown. Several months later, North Korea displayed Hwasong-11S during the 25 April 2022 military parade, however, North Korea did not reveal official designation. Further test-fires occurred on 7 May 2022 and 25 September 2022, however, North Korea only confirmed the September 2022 test.
The missile's official name was revealed in the KCNA's report on the new Hwasan-31 nuclear warhead in late March 2023.
According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), as of 2024, North Korea is possessing "some" Hwasong-11S missiles. These missiles are assessed as "in test" by the IISS.

## Tests

| Attempt | Date | Location | Outcome | Additional notes |
| 1 | 19 October 2021 | Sinpo-class submarine, located at Sinpo Shipyard, South Hamgyong Province | Success | The missile reportedly travelled about 600 km (370 mi) and reached an altitude of 60 km (37 mi). Japanese data showed the launch of two missiles, despite the North Korean's claim of one missile launch. North Korea did not reveal the missile's official designation in this test. |
| (Unconfirmed) | 7 May 2022 | Sinpo Shipyard, Sinpo, South Hamgyong Province | Unknown | North Korea did not release a statement about the launch. The missile flew 600 km (370 mi) for less than 18 minutes, achieved 60 km (37 mi) apogee and used an irregular trajectory. |
| 2 | 25 September 2022 | Taechon Reservoir, North Pyongan Province | Success | The missile was launched from an underwater silo, under an inland reservoir and using irregular trajectory. North Korea referred to the launch as "the simulation of loading tactical nuclear warheads". Kim Jong Un oversaw the launch. North Korea also did not mention the missile's official name in this test. |