Pukguksong-5

North Korea has claimed Pukguksong-5 as "the world's most powerful weapon".

• Name — Pukguksong-5 • Origin — North Korea • Type — Submarine-launched ballistic missile • Is Missile — yes • Length — About 10.5-11.6 m • Width — About 1.8-2.1 m • Propellant — solid fuel • Launch Platform — submersible barge, submarine (planned) • Vehicle Range — About 3000-5000 km (estimated) • Manufacturer — North Korea • Design Date — 2021 • Number — 5 prototypes • Filling — Nuclear warhead MIRV-capable (unconfirmed)

In November 2019 and October 2020, Daily NK's sources reported that North Korea planned to develop Pukguksong-5, intending to be fitted to a nuclear-powered submarine and launched in 2022. Pukguksong-5 made its public debut in a military parade on 14 January 2021. Four Pukguksong-5 missiles were placed on 6-axle wheeled semi-trailers. At the time of debut, North Korea claimed Pukguksong-5 to be "the world's most powerful weapon". The appearance of yet another untested missile likely indicates North Korea is still in the process of finalizing on a specific SLBM design. These missiles were assessed to be non-operational mock-ups. North Korea displayed Pukguksong-5 along with Pukguksong-1 and then-unnamed Hwasong-11S during "Self-Defence 2021" military exhibition, held in October 2021. According to Kim Dong-yup, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies, a solid-fueled engine, which was tested in December 2022 and produced 140 tons of thrust, could be the engine of Pukguksong-5. It is possible that Pukguksong-5 remains just a paper project. There have been no known test for Pukguksong-5 so far. However, an alleged flight test occurred on 19 October 2021. Initially, the missile used for the test-fire was supposed to be some types of SLBMs, including Pukguksong-5. Later, the missile used in the 19 October 2021 launch was judged to be Hwasong-11S, an underwater-launched variant of Hwasong-11A (KN-23).