Hwasan-31
| Hwasan-31 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Tactical nuclear weapon |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2023-present |
| Used by | Korean People's Army Strategic Force |
| Production history | |
| Designer | North Korea |
| Designed | 2023 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 150–200 kg (330–440 lb) |
| Length | 90 cm (35 in) |
| Diameter | 40–50 cm (16–20 in) |
| Blast yield | 4-10 kt |
The Hwasan-31 (Korean: 화산-31; lit. Volcano-31) is a North Korean tactical nuclear warhead first unveiled in 2023.
Design
[edit]Based on images released by North Korea, the Hwasan-31 is estimated to be 90 cm (35 in) long, 40–50 cm (16–20 in) wide, has a mass of 150–200 kg (330–440 lb) and a yield of 4-10 kt.[1][2]
History
[edit]At the 8th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea held in January 2021, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un planned to manufacture miniaturized nuclear weapons.[3]
North Korea unveiled Hwasan-31 on 27 March 2023.[4][5] During the revelation of Hwasan-31, North Korea also revealed official designation of some short-range ballistic missiles that was tested in years before.[6]
Capability
[edit]Hwasan-31 is capable of being carried by following weapon systems:[7][8][9]
- Short-range ballistic missiles:
- Hwasong-11A (KN-23)
- Hwasong-11B (KN-24)
- Hwasong-11C
- Hwasong-11D
- Hwasong-11S
- KN-25 (600 mm multiple rocket launcher)
- Cruise missiles:
- Unmanned underwater vehicle:
- Haeil
Strategic implication
[edit]The revelation of Hwasan-31 has demonstrated North Korea’s progress towards the development of tactical nuclear weapons.[10]
References
[edit]- ^ Woo, Inseok (24 November 2024). "North Korea's Nuclear Strategy: Limited Nuclear Use and Escalation Management". Pacific Focus - Inha Journal of International Studies. 39 (3). Wiley Digital Library: 615–645. doi:10.1111/pafo.12268. Retrieved 21 June 2025.
- ^ Baik, Seunghyuk (24 June 2024). "Anticipating North Korea's Next Nuclear Test" (PDF). Institute for Security & Development Policy. p. 3. Retrieved 21 June 2025.
- ^ Jo, Jang-won (24 October 2024). "(Brief 2024-15) North Korea's nuclear threat after the US presidential election and Korea's response". Sejong Institute. Retrieved 21 June 2025.
During the 8th Party Congress in January 2021, Kim Jong Un outlined defense tasks, including miniaturizing nuclear weapons and making them tactical.
- ^ Shin, Hyonhee; Kim, Daewoung (28 March 2023). "North Korea unveils new nuclear warheads as US air carrier arrives in South". Reuters. Retrieved 21 June 2025.
- ^ "Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Guides Work for Mounting Nuclear Warheads on Ballistic Missiles". Korean Central News Agency. 28 March 2023. Retrieved 21 June 2025.
- ^ Zwirko, Colin (3 April 2023). "North Korea reveals internal names for several missile systems: Analysis". NK Pro. Retrieved 21 June 2025.
- ^ Trà Khánh (11 April 2023). "Giải mã đầu đạn hạt nhân Triều Tiên khiến Mỹ và đồng minh lo sợ". VTC News (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 21 June 2025.
- ^ Yang, Uk (29 June 2023). "북한의 최신 핵무기 개발 현황: 핵그림자를 드리우는 북한의 인지전 시도" [North Korea's latest nuclear weapons developments: North Korea's cognitive warfare attempts to cast a nuclear shadow]. Asan Institute for Policy Studies (in Korean). Retrieved 21 June 2025.
- ^ "North Korea says fired cruise missile with 'super-large warhead'". EFE. 3 February 2024. Retrieved 21 June 2025.
- ^ "North Korean Nuclear Weapons, 2024: Federation of American Scientists Release Latest North Korea Nuclear Weapons Estimate". Federation of American Scientists. Washington, D.C.: Federation of American Scientists. 15 July 2024. Retrieved 21 June 2025.