On October 10, 2015, North Korea unveiled a potentially new ICBM, dubbed the KN-14. Although many analysts regard it to be a variation of the previously displayed KN-08 ICBM, there are differences between the two.

Compared to KN-08, the KN-14, is a slightly shorter, with a blunt and rounded nose cone. Due to the lack of evidence to analyze, it is unclear if the KN-14 is a three- or two-staged missile, but some analysts suggest the latter to be more likely.¹

According to analysis by 38 North, the KN-14’s robust design has the potential of a 50-60% reliability, whereas it is estimated that the KN-08 would operate only 30-40% of the time.²

Similar to the KN-08, the design of KN-14 appears comes from the Soviet-era R-27/SS-N-6 missiles. This seemed to be confirmed during the liquid-fueled engine test on April 9, 2016. While there is no video footage, images released of the test appear to show a pair of clustered 4D10 engines, which are used on the R-27.³ The images display the engines, embedded within a fuel tank fitted for an ICBM, spitting out bright orange exhaust, which is indicative of a highly efficient fuel called unsymmetrical dimethyl hydrazine (UDMH). The use of such fuel could increase KN-14’s range.⁴