On April 2, North Korea revealed the long-awaited successor to its Hwasong-12 “Guam Killer” intermediate-range ballistic missile. The test launch of the Hwasong-16B followed years of reports on the testing of associated technologies facilitating a generational leap in performance.
With an estimated range of 4,000-5,000 kilometers, North Korea’s intermediate-range missiles – starting with the Hwasong-10 in the 2000s – have been valued for their ability to target key U.S. military facilities crucial for projecting power across the Pacific. This capability makes these missiles highly attractive for Pyongyang in the context of its confrontation with Washington.
The significance of facilities on Guam, in particular, has been highlighted by the central role they played in standoffs with North Korea and China. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un emphasized their importance during ground testing of solid-fueled engines for a new intermediate-range missile, likely the Hwasong-16B, in March.
The Hwasong-16B improves on its predecessor with the use of solid fuel composite and the integration of a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV). North Korea has become the first country to operationalize an HGV on an intermediate-range missile, potentially changing the game for regional security.
Since withdrawing from the INF Treaty in 2019, the United States is expected to deploy medium and intermediate-range missiles in East Asia. The introduction of the Hwasong-16B could lead to an arms race in the region as countries seek to match capabilities.
The Hwasong-16B’s introduction raises questions about the viability of the United States’ missile defense buildup on Guam and its broader implications for regional security. The potential escalation of the missile race with HGVs could significantly impact the balance of power.
Ultimately, the Hwasong-16B has set a new standard with its capabilities, prompting the world’s military powers to consider matching them.