| North Korea/U.S. Designation | Hwasal-2 |
| Mobility and Role | Road Mobile |
| Designer and Producer | N/A |
| Range | 2,000km |
| Warhead Type and Weight | Unknown |
| MIRV and Yield | No/Unknown |
| Guidance System/Accuracy | Unknown |
| Stages/Propellant | N/A |
| IOC/Retirement | N/A |
| Status/Number of Units | Unknown |
Overview
On February 24, 2023, North Korea fired the four “Hwasal-2” missiles in the area of Kim Chaek City, North Hamgyong Province, towards the sea off the east coast of the Korean Peninsula. According to the statement, the four missiles hit the preset target on the East Sea of Korea after traveling the 2,000km elliptical and eight-shaped flight orbits for 170 minutes. [i]
Strategic Implications
Long range cruise missiles offer stategic advantages against missile defense systems that require specific altitudes to target missiles. A LRCM can be fired at distances that MRBMs can, but also at lower altitudes to evade missile defense systems, and can be maneuvered manually. It puts South Korean and Japanese strategic targets in jeopardy.
