North Korea could allegedly copy Russia's Yars for new Hwasong-19 missile
Photo: Hwasong-19 missile could have been copied from Russian Yars system (still from video)
North Korea likely copied the Hwasong-19 missile from Russia's Yars missile system. It is possible that Pyongyang only made slight modifications to it, according to Defense Express.
At first glance at the Hwasong-19, the agency states that "there are no alternative answers to the question of where North Korea got this missile."
"The question is about the Russian Yars, either fully copied or partially modified for larger parameters regarding range and payload," the article notes.
Indeed, a photo reportedly taken from the launch vehicle's main block shows weld seams, suggesting that North Korea received technology from Russia for creating warheads with separable warheads and individual guidance.
"The Hwasong-19 launches from a platform with 11 axles, whereas the previous Hwasong-18 had 9. This may indicate that the Hwasong-19 is an enlarged version of the Hwasong-18, the size and weight required several more axles," analysts noted.
For its part, Defense Express states that the Hwasong-18 successfully flew three times in 2023.
"That it was created using Russian-ready technologies is beyond doubt," the article concludes.
Russian Yars missile system: What's known about it
The Yars is a Russian strategic missile system with solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of being launched from mobile and silo-based platforms with separable warheads.
Developed by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering, it is a modification of the Topol-M missile system. The mobile version of the missile division includes three autonomous launchers and a mobile command post on a multi-axle chassis with enhanced cross-country mobility.
The Yars does not require special engineering preparation of the terrain. The system can enter forested areas and disguise itself under tree canopies if the width and length of the launcher allow it to pass between trees, and can be deployed in combat position in a matter of minutes.
The Yars system has a flight task recalculation system that allows the mobile system to launch missiles from anywhere along the patrol route without being tied to pre-designated launch positions.
Hwasong-19 testing
On October 31, North Korea conducted a test launch of the Hwasong-19 ballistic missile toward the eastern waters of North Korea. The flight lasted 86 minutes.
According to Seoul and Tokyo, the missile reached a record altitude of 7,000 km and fell west of Okushiri Island. Meanwhile, North Korea did not provide specific details about the type of missile, only noting that the launch was record-breaking in terms of performance.
Ukraine condemned North Korea's test of the intercontinental ballistic missile. The actions of North Korea were called an irresponsible provocation.
