North Korea unveiled what it called its “most powerful” intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at a military parade in Pyongyang on Friday, according to state media.
The event, overseen by leader Kim Jong Un, showcased some of the country’s most advanced weaponry, including long-range strategic cruise missiles and drone launch vehicles. But the spotlight was firmly on the Hwasong-20 ICBM, which the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) described as the military’s “most powerful nuclear strategic weapon system.”
Why It Matters
The unveiling underscores Pyongyang’s continued focus on expanding its nuclear arsenal amid growing tensions with the United States and South Korea. The parade also marked a show of strength for Kim, who has repeatedly vowed to bolster the country’s nuclear deterrent in response to what he calls hostile actions from the West.
What To Know
The parade, which began late on Friday, marked the 80th anniversary of the foundation of its ruling Workers’ Party.
The parade, which began late in Pyongyang, followed nationwide celebrations the previous day and underscored the country’s growing alignment with China and Russia, according to reports from Reuters, The New York Times, and KCNA.
State media said the Hwasong-20’s engine, built with carbon fiber, is capable of producing 1,971 kilonewtons of thrust, which is greater than earlier North Korean rocket engines. The Hwasong series of ICBMs gives North Korea the ability to target anywhere on the U.S. mainland, though analysts say questions remain over its guidance system and the ability of its warheads to survive re-entry. Experts believe the new model could carry several nuclear warheads, a capability that Kim Jong Un has urged his military to develop to penetrate enemy defenses.
The Hwasong-20 has not yet been test-launched but is the latest in a line of long-range missiles developed under Kim’s leadership, according to The New York Times. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung said in September that North Korea was getting close to building ICBMs capable of targeting the mainland United States with nuclear warheads. Washington continues to push for the “complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantling” of North Korea’s nuclear program, but Pyongyang insists on recognition as a nuclear power. In September, Kim said his country would restart dialogue with the U.S. only if it stopped trying to force North Korea to give up its nuclear arsenal.
Following the parade, Kim delivered a speech describing North Korea as a “faithful member of socialist forces” and “a bulwark for independence” against Western “hegemony,” according to KCNA.
Joining Kim on the reviewing platform were China’s Premier Li Qiang, Russia’s Dmitry Medvedev, and Vietnam’s Communist Party chief To Lam, according to The New York Times.
In a meeting with Kim, Medvedev expressed gratitude for North Korea’s support of Russia’s war in Ukraine, saying, “The nature of relations between people and between countries is revealed during times of trial. This fully applies to the alliance between our countries,” Al Jazeera reported. He added, “We are grateful to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea for its steadfast support of the special military operation. Our soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder to liberate the Kursk region. This feat will forever remain in our hearts.”
KCNA reported that Kim told Medvedev he hoped to strengthen cooperation with Russia and expand exchanges “to achieve common goals.” The parade also featured North Korean soldiers who fought alongside Russian troops in Ukraine, carrying both nations’ flags. According to South Korean officials cited by The New York Times, Pyongyang has sent about 15,000 troops and large quantities of artillery shells, rockets, and missiles to support Moscow’s campaign.
What People Are Saying
Ankit Panda of the U.S.-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace told Al Jazeera: “The Hwasong-20 represents, for the moment, the apotheosis of North Korea’s ambitions for long-range nuclear delivery capabilities. We should expect to see the system tested before the end of this year.
“The system is likely designed for the delivery of multiple warheads… Multiple warheads will increase stresses on existing U.S. missile defence systems and augment what Kim sees as necessary to achieve meaningful deterrence effects against Washington.”
Kim Jong Un said in a speech: “Today, we stand before the world as a mighty people with no obstacles we cannot overcome and no great achievement we cannot accomplish…Our army should continue to grow into an invincible entity that destroys all threats.”
What Happens Next
Analysts say North Korea could carry out another ICBM test by the end of the year, according to The Associated Press.
