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Kim Jong-un’s New Hwasong-20 ICBM May Carry Multiple Warheads With Russian Help
North Korea has unveiled its next-generation Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile, a move analysts say highlights Pyongyang’s bid for multiple-warhead capability—and the growing likelihood of Russian technical help fueling Kim Jong-un’s most ambitious weapons program yet.
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North Korea has announced the development of a new intercontinental ballistic missile, the Hwasong-20, unveiling it just hours before leader Kim Jong-un’s trip to Beijing for a military parade alongside China and Russia, according to The Korean Times on September 2.
According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim toured the Institute of Chemical Materials under the country’s Missile Administration, where he reviewed production of a new high-powered solid-fuel engine built with carbon-fiber composites.
KCNA published a photo showing Kim standing before what appeared to be the body of the future Hwasong-20.
The new engine reportedly has a thrust of 1,960 kilonewtons, intended for both the Hwasong-19 line and the upcoming Hwasong-20.
According to The Korean Times, analysts stated that the engine could enable North Korea to deploy multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs)—warheads that can separate and strike different targets, making them far harder to intercept.
“Increasing the thrust can help secure multiple-warhead capabilities as well as simplify the structure of the missile propellant,” said Chang Young-keun, head of the missile research center at the Korea Research Institute for National Strategy.
Strategic messaging ahead of Beijing
South Korean opposition lawmaker Yu Yong-weon suggested the announcement was designed to showcase Pyongyang’s growing alignment with Moscow and Beijing ahead of the parade, The Korean Times wrote.
“Disclosing the Hwasong-20 ICBM development plan seems to be focused on stressing its intention to take part in solidarity against the US ahead of the military parade where the leaders of North Korea, China and Russia will meet,” Yu said.
Yu also noted that North Korea could be receiving technical assistance from Russia, particularly carbon-fiber materials for missile nozzles, amid rapidly expanding military cooperation.
South Korea’s Defense Ministry and Joint Chiefs of Staff said they are closely tracking the weapons program but did not provide further assessment.
Already within US range
The Hwasong-20 would be North Korea’s most advanced ICBM to date. However, earlier models already put the entire continental United States in range.
Both the Hwasong-18 and Hwasong-19, the latter tested on October 31, 2024, reportedly have a reach of more than 15,000 kilometers.
Experts believe the regime’s current focus is not on extending range but on increasing payload flexibility, survivability, and penetration capabilities against US missile defenses, The Korean Times notes.
North Korea has also deepened its defense ties with Russia beyond missiles. Analysts noted that two new North Korean destroyers launched this spring appear to incorporate Russian design elements.
One of them, the Choe Hyon-class vessel, dramatically capsized during its launch ceremony attended by Kim Jong-un.
Earlier, North Korea launched a new missile factory equipped with automated assembly lines, a development that could expand the country’s missile arsenal and increase supplies available for Russia’s strikes against Ukraine.
