Hwasong-16B Missile

Manufacturer: Academy of Defense Sciences
Category: Missiles & Precision Weapons
Add to Compare

Guidance System INS + potential terminal maneuvering sensors
Maximum Speed Estimated Mach 5+ (hypersonic class)
Launch Compatibility Road-mobile TEL launcher
Warhead Technology Conventional or nuclear-capable

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name / Designation	Hwasong-16B
Type / Role	Hypersonic-capable Ballistic Missile
Country of Origin	North Korea
Manufacturer	Academy of Defense Sciences
Service Entry / Year Introduced	Revealed publicly in early 2020s
Operational Status	Limited/Developmental

2. Performance & Range

Range	Estimated long-range class (exact unknown)
Speed	Hypersonic (Mach 5+)
Ceiling / Altitude Limit	High-altitude re-entry trajectory
Accuracy (CEP)	Unknown
Warhead Type	Conventional or nuclear-capable

3. Guidance & Targeting

Guidance System	INS + potential terminal sensors
Targeting Mode	Ballistic + Hypersonic Glide
Launch Platform Compatibility	Road-mobile TEL
Seeker Type	Unconfirmed

4. Physical Characteristics

Length	Estimated large ICBM-class
Diameter	Unknown
Wingspan	None / HGV design
Launch Weight	Likely heavy-class missile
Propulsion	Multi-stage solid or liquid-fuel (unconfirmed)

5. Warhead & Payload

Warhead Weight	Not disclosed
Explosive Type	HE / Nuclear-capable
Detonation Mechanism	Likely impact or airburst
Payload Options	Nuclear / Conventional

6. Operational Use & Capabilities

Operational Range Type	Long-range
Deployment Platform	Ground-based TEL
Target Types	Strategic land-based targets
Combat Proven	No
Users / Operators	North Korea

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

8.3

Technology 9 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10

PROS

Potential hypersonic glide capability
Enhanced maneuverability for missile-defense evasion
Road-mobile deployment platform
Long-range strike potential
Dual-capable payload flexibility

CONS

Limited verified performance data
High dependence on unverified state claims
Significant geopolitical escalation risk
Complex development and operational costs
Limited real-world testing transparency

Hwasong-16B Hypersonic Ballistic Missile

The Hwasong-16B represents one of the most advanced missile developments publicly revealed by North Korea, signaling a shift toward hypersonic glide technologies and maneuverable re-entry vehicles intended to complicate regional missile-defense systems. First showcased during a major military parade, the missile is assessed by defense analysts as part of Pyongyang’s ongoing effort to expand its long-range, precision-strike portfolio.

Manufactured by North Korea’s Academy of Defense Sciences, the Hwasong-16B is believed to be a derivative of the Hwasong intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) family, but optimized for enhanced maneuverability during terminal flight. While exact specifications remain undisclosed, available imagery and state media claims suggest the system incorporates a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV), enabling unpredictable flight paths that can challenge radar tracking.

Designed for strategic deterrence, the Hwasong-16B’s estimated range—based on size and configuration—could potentially extend thousands of kilometers, fitting within North Korea’s long-range missile doctrine. Its hypersonic glide stage is expected to reach speeds exceeding Mach 5, allowing rapid engagement capability and reduced interception opportunities. The missile is likely road-mobile, using a large transporter-erector-launcher (TEL), enabling flexible deployment and reduced vulnerability to pre-emptive strikes.

In terms of payload, the system is believed to be dual-capable, accommodating either conventional or nuclear warheads depending on mission requirements. Its guidance is assumed to combine inertial navigation with updated terminal maneuvering sensors to maintain accuracy despite high-speed flight.

For defense observers and U.S. military planners, the Hwasong-16B highlights the rapid progression of North Korean missile-defense evasion technologies. The system’s introduction increases strategic complexity across Northeast Asia, especially concerning early-warning timelines and missile-intercept planning.

Hwasong-16B Missile Price

As the Hwasong-16B Hypersonic Ballistic Missile is a North Korean strategic missile, it is not commercially available, and no official price exists. Costs cannot be determined due to the classified nature of the program and its status as a state-produced strategic weapon.

Reviews

Be the first to add a Review

Please post a user review only if you have / had this product.
Your Name *
Your Email *
Review Title *
Review Text *
Rate this Product
Technology:

8
Performance:

8
Maintenance Efficiency:

8
Range & Endurance:

8
Average Rating 6 / 10 based on your selection

Disclaimer Note

The information provided on TheDefenseWatch.com is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of our content regarding defense and aerospace products, technologies, and specifications, we cannot guarantee that all information is 100% accurate or up-to-date due to the evolving nature of military technology and classified data. TheDefenseWatch.com does not warrant the reliability, suitability, or availability of the information for any specific purpose. Users are advised to consult official sources, such as manufacturers, government publications, or defense agencies, for precise and verified data before making decisions based on our content. We are not affiliated with any defense manufacturers, governments, or military organizations mentioned. Opinions, reviews, and ratings reflect expert analysis but are subjective and should not be considered endorsements. TheDefenseWatch.com is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or consequences arising from the use of this website’s content. External links are provided for convenience and do not imply endorsement. TheDefenseWatch.com reserves the right to update or modify content without prior notice. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy & Cookies Policy.