Seoul: North Korea has showcased its newly developed Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) for the first time, along with other new weapons, during a military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the founding of its ruling Workers' Party of Korea.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the state media reported the event held on Friday night at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, overseen by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. High-ranking leaders from China, Russia, Vietnam, and other nations attended, indicating Kim's intent to strengthen diplomatic ties with countries opposed to the West and to display North Korea's nuclear capabilities.
The North's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) described the Hwasong-20 as "the most powerful nuclear strategic weapon system" in its report on the parade. The ICBM, capable of reaching the U.S. mainland, was prominently featured, underscoring North Korea's nuclear prowess and its possession of nuclear arms in the presence of foreign leaders and dignitaries.
In his address, Kim Jong-un urged the armed forces to evolve into an "invincible" force. He emphasized the need for the army to develop political, ideological, military, and technical superiority to counter threats and achieve victory through morality and discipline. Kim highlighted the army's achievements on foreign battlefields, attributing them to its ideological and spiritual perfection. Notably, there was no direct reference to either the U.S. or South Korea.
The event included foreign dignitaries such as Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Russian Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev, and Vietnamese leader To Lam. Premier Li and Leader Lam stood beside Kim, with Medvedev next to Lam during the parade.
The KCNA highlighted the enthusiastic response from spectators as the Hwasong-20 ICBM entered the square. Previously, the KCNA had announced the successful test of a new high-thrust solid-fuel missile engine intended for the Hwasong-20, marking the final phase of its development. This new model could potentially carry multiple warheads, posing an increased threat to the U.S.
The parade also showcased hypersonic missiles, capable of evading enemy missile defenses. The KCNA outlined various strategic weapon systems featured during the parade, emphasizing their role in safeguarding North Korea's survival, development, and peace. The display included hypersonic glide and medium- and long-range strategic missiles, Chonma-20 main battle tanks, 155-millimeter howitzers, and 600 mm multiple rocket launchers. Strategic cruise missiles, drone launch vehicles, and both surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missiles were also part of the parade.
Defense Minister No Kwang-chol led the marching troops, including those from strategic missile operations and special operations units. The KCNA praised the "invincible" foreign operations unit, hinting at its involvement in supporting Russia in the Ukraine conflict. The parade occurred about a month after Kim participated in a major military parade in Beijing alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, signaling unity against the West.