# Hwasong-11D

The Hwasong-11D (Korean: 《화성포-11라》형; lit. Mars Artillery Type 11D) is a North Korean single-stage, solid-fueled tactical ballistic missile.

## Description

Hwasong-11D is the smaller variant of the Hwasong-11A (KN-23). It is also claimed to be the ground-based version of a submarine-launched ballistic missile first tested on 19 October 2021, later identified as Hwasong-11S. Its range, which is smaller than the operational range of Hwasong-11A, is similar to the Hwasong-11 (KN-02), and could be a counterpart to the South Korean's KTSSM. The launches were accompanied with a statement, associating them with the development of tactical nuclear weapons. Hwasong-11D follows a near-ballistic trajectory, with approximately 50 km (31 mi) apogee. This low apogee, combined with its short flight time and terminal maneuverability, makes it difficult for traditional missile defense systems to detect and intercept. Moreover, the missile’s improved accuracy reduces the number of missiles required to attack the target. Also, Hwasong-11D can have better survivability against missile defenses if the missile is equipped with smaller and lighter tactical nuclear warheads and retaining the Hwasong-11A's maneuverability, thus allowing it to threaten shorter range targets. Each TEL, which has three axles, can deploy up to four Hwasong-11D missiles.

## History

Hwasong-11D made its public debut on 16 April 2022, with a flight test. At the time of debut, the missile's official designation was unknown. Nine days later, on 25 April 2022, North Korea displayed Hwasong-11D during a military parade; however, North Korea did not reveal the missile's official designation.
Further test-fires of Hwasong-11D occurred on 3 November 2022 and 9 March 2023. Between these test-fires, North Korea displayed Hwasong-11D during a military parade on 8 February 2023.
The missile’s official name was revealed in the KCNA's report on the new Hwasan-31 nuclear warhead in late March 2023. Despite this, in its 2024 appearances, North Korea only described Hwasong-11D as "tactical ballistic missile" without mentioning official name directly.

## List of tests

| Attempt | Date (Pyongyang Standard Time) | Location | Number of missiles tested | Outcome | Additional notes |
| 1 | 16 April 2022 | Hungnam, Hamhung, South Hamgyong Province | 2 | Success | Both missiles were test-fired with 21-minute interval between launches, flew for only 60 seconds and achieved 25 km (16 mi) apogee, 110 km (68 mi) range. Kim Jong Un oversaw the launch. It is the first appearance of Hwasong-11D, but North Korea did not mention the missile's official designation in this test. |
| 2 | 3 November 2022 | Kaechon Airport, South Pyongan Province | 2 | Success | These missiles flew 330 km (210 mi) and achieved an apogee of 70 km (43 mi). On 7 November 2022, North Korea released statement for missile launches from 2 to 5 November. A photo from the April 2022 test was reused for this statement to refer to the November test. North Korea also did not mention the missile's official name. |
| 3 | 9 March 2023 | Taesong Lake, South Pyongan Province | 6 | Success | The launch was supervised by Kim Jong Un and his daughter. Like the 2022 appearances, North Korea also did not reveal the missile's official name. |
| 4 | 17 May 2024 | Wonsan | 1 (North Korea) "Several" (South Korea) | Success | Kim Jong Un supervised the launch. According to North Korean state media, the missile employed a new autonomous navigation system. North Korea did not mention Hwasong-11D directly in this test. South Korean's Joint Chiefs of Staff detected the launch of several Hwasong-11D missiles, at 3:10 p.m. (local time). These missiles flew 300 km (190 mi) before landing in the East China Sea. |

## Operational usage

At least 45 Hwasong-11D TELs were visible in the KCNA report of Kim Jong Un's inspection to an unnamed missile launcher factory on 8 and 9 January 2024. The report said that the factories had “deployed new weapon types and equipment to the first-line large combined units and major missile units”, suggests that Hwasong-11D is operational.
Between 11 May and 12 May 2024, Kim Jong Un visited another unnamed factory. Around 99 Hwasong-11D TELs were visible. After the inspection, North Korea test-fired a Hwasong-11D on 17 May 2024.
North Korea held a ceremony to send 250 Hwasong-11D TELs to the frontline military units at the Inter-Korean border on 4 August 2024.