# Hwasong-11C

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

## Description

Hwasong-11C is the enlarged variant of the Hwasong-11A (KN-23), with a closely similar design. The estimated length of Hwasong-11C is 9.8 m (32 ft) and the solid-fueled rocket engine likely has an extra segment. It is also fitted to a longer TEL, with an additional two sections. The nose cone is similar in shape to the Hwasong-11B (KN-24).
Based on information from the 25 March 2021 tests, it appears that Hwasong-11C is longer and have a more conical nose compared with the base version. North Korea claimed the missile to be equipped with a 2,500 kg (5,500 lb) warhead. According to 38 North, such a large warhead weight is almost certainly exaggerated. It is possible that such a large payload claim could be using for propaganda purpose, intended to give the impression that North Korea is keeping pace with their adversary's missile advancements, as the South Korean Hyunmoo-4 has a 2,000 kg (4,400 lb) warhead and the Hwasong-11C was proclaimed as the world's largest warhead weight. The new weapon would be able to almost completely cover South Korea from its launch site. If it can perform as claimed by North Korea, the weapon would be a powerful bunker buster weapon. UN Security Council members states suspect the claim of a mass of 2.5 tons may refer to the entire weight of the missile after burnout, rather than just the warhead weight.

## History

Hwasong-11C made its public debut on 14 January 2021 in a military parade. At the time of public debut, six Hwasong-11C launchers were seen, each launcher had two missiles. North Korea did not name these missiles.
Hwasong-11C had its maiden flight test on 25 March 2021, and a further test-fire occurred on 28 September 2022. Between two test-fires, Hwasong-11C was displayed in the "Self-Defence 2021" military exhibition, as well as the 25 April 2022 military parade, when twelve Hwasong-11C missiles were displayed. Like the March 2021 tests, North Korea did not disclose official name in these appearances.
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 more than six Hwasong-11C missiles. These missiles are assessed as "in test" by the IISS.

## List of tests

| Attempt | Date | Location | Number of missiles tested | Outcome | Additional notes |
| 1 | 25 March 2021 | Yonpo Airport, near Hamhung and Sondok Airport, Chongpyong County (both in South Hamgyong Province) | 2 | Success | According to North Korea, the missiles flew 600 km (370 mi) and were equipped with a 2,500 kg (5,500 lb) warhead. South Korean and Japanese analysis initially said they only flew 420–450 km (260–280 mi) while reaching an apogee of 60 km (37 mi). Later, South Korea revised their estimate and agreed with the North Korean statement of a 600 km (370 mi) range, saying the discrepancy resulted from blind spots in radar coverage due to the Earth's curvature. North Korea did not reveal official name for this missile in this test. |
| 2 | 28 September 2022 | Sunan, Pyongyang | 2 | Success | Both missiles reached 50 km (31 mi) apogee. One of the two missiles flew 350 km (220 mi), the other flew 300 km (190 mi). According to the information released by North Korea on 10 October 2022, the test-fire, which was guided by Kim Jong Un, was a nuclear warhead loading and launch simulation test for "neutralizing the airports in the operation zones of south Korea". Like the March 2021 tests, North Korea did not reveal official name for this missile in this test. |

## Hwasong-11C-4.5

The 4.5 tons warhead version of Hwasong-11C, called Hwasong-11C-4.5 (Korean: 《화성포-11다-4.5》; lit. Mars Artillery Type 11C-4.5) is named after its 4.5 tons warhead. It was first tested on 1 July 2024, as a Hwasong-11C-4.5 was fired from Jangyon County, South Hwanghae Province.
According to South Korean military officials, the 1 July launch involved two missiles, one of which flew 120 km (75 mi) before exploding and failing, and the other flew 600 km (370 mi).
After the first test of this variant, North Korea planned to test another Hwasong-11C-4.5 with a 250 km (160 mi) range in July 2024.
Another Hwasong-11C-4.5 was test-fired on 18 September 2024 under Kim Jong Un's supervision. Reportedly, its payload was a 4.5 tons conventional warhead. The missile flew 320 km (200 mi) before hitting target.