The Hwasong-9 () is a North Korean single-stage, liquid-fueled medium-range ballistic missile. The advanced version of Hwasong-6 with longer range and smaller warhead, it is the last Scud-derived missile of North Korea. Hwasong-9 was developed from 1991 and first test-fired in 1993, but it remained unknown to the intelligence community until 2016.
Description
The Hwasong-9 is the last Scud-derived missile of North Korea. Its estimated length, diameter and mass are , and respectively. The missile's transporter erector launcher is a MAZ-543 truck with four axles. It also has a separable warhead that is separated after engine burnout to improve the trajectory stability and reduce the radar signature.
The Hwasong-9 is capable of travelling with a warhead, configured in a biconic nose cone. This is achieved by conducting some modification to Hwasong-6, including the enlargement of propellant tanks and the reduction of payload. It is a single-stage, road-mobile missile that can employ a high-explosive, submunition, chemical, or potentially miniaturized nuclear warhead with a reported CEP of . Its range allows the North Korean military to strike anywhere on the Korean Peninsula and threaten areas of Japan. It is possible that Hwasong-9 is nuclear-capable.
History North Korea reportedly began developing Hwasong-9 in 1991 and could start production from 1994. Before starting production, North Korea apparently tested Hwasong-9 in 1993.
Reports suggest Syria received these missiles in 2000, enabling them to target all of Israel and southeastern Turkey, including Ankara. Syria also converted its own Hwasong-6 production line in order to make the Hwasong-9.
According to the United Nations, since 2008, North Korea has assisted Syria in development of manoeuvrable vehicles for Hwasong-9.
Hwasong-9 was test-fired in September 2016 and March 2017.
In 2024, Hwasong-9 was reported to be used during Russian invasion of Ukraine from November 2023.
According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), as of 2025, North Korea is possessing "some" Hwasong-9 launchers.
List of tests AttemptDate (Pyongyang Standard Time)LocationNumber of missiles testedOutcomeAdditional notesReference(s)11993UnknownUnknownFirst reported test of Hwasong-9, but difficult to confirm due to its similar to Hwasong-6.25 September 2016, 12:14 p.m.Hwangju, North Hwanghae Province3These missiles flew for nine minutes, achieved range and around apogee. The launch was supervised by Kim Jong Un.36 March 2017, 7:36 a.m.Sohae Satellite Launching Station4 (or 5)These missiles were launched simultaneously, achieved apogee and range. Three of four missiles landed just inside Japan's exclusive economic zone. Kim Jong Un also supervised the launch. It is possible that a fifth missile was launched in this salvo, but it appears to be failed shortly after launch. North Korea may also test Hwasong-9 in 2006, 2009, and 2014, but due to the similarities between their Scud variants, it is difficult to confirm the exact missile used for each launch.
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