North Korea Military Parade, Estimated 6 ICBMs Spotted in Formation
Maxa Technology "Photographed at 10:05 PM"
[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] Satellite images have captured a parade of transporter erector launchers (TELs) carrying what appears to be the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Hwasong-17 during a military parade held to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People's Army in North Korea.
On the 9th, the U.S. private satellite company Maxar Technologies released satellite images showing the scene at Kim Il-sung Square in Pyongyang during the parade. Considering the images were taken around 10:05 PM the previous day, it is presumed that they captured the main event in progress.
Satellite image capturing the area around Pyongyang Kim Il-sung Square where North Korea's military parade took place [Image source=Maxar Technologies Twitter]
The released photos show the moment when the TELs carrying ICBMs marched between the podium and tens of thousands of people. Although further verification is needed, about six ICBMs presumed to be Hwasong-17 can be seen in the photos. North Korean media, including the Korean Central News Agency and Rodong Sinmun, have yet to report on the parade. It is unusual for external satellite images to capture the parade in real time before North Korea releases edited photos and details of the main event through state media.
The Hwasong-17 was first revealed with four units during the October 2020 parade. It did not appear in the two parades held in 2021, but at least three units were identified during the April parade last year. Considering that at least three performance tests have been conducted since its initial unveiling, analysts have suggested that North Korea began additional production of the ICBM around that time.
Since about six Hwasong-17 ICBMs have been identified this time as well, it is possible that North Korea has produced additional units or unveiled a version of the Hwasong-17 upgraded from liquid-fueled engines to solid-fueled engines.
Satellite image capturing the area around Pyongyang Kim Il-sung Square where North Korea's military parade took place [Image source=Maxar Technologies Twitter]
According to military authorities, North Korea began the parade with a pre-ceremony event around 8:30 PM the previous day. While it is not yet confirmed whether Chairman Kim Jong-un attended, considering he has attended all but one of the twelve parades held since he came to power, it is highly likely he was present this time as well. He has delivered direct speeches five times: in 2012, 2015, 2018, 2020, and last year.
About 22,000 personnel were mobilized for this parade, making it the largest ever, and there is speculation that many new strategic weapons not previously disclosed may have appeared. These include new cruise missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads, 600mm super-large multiple rocket launchers, and stealth unmanned aerial vehicles. North Korea is expected to announce the parade through state media as early as this morning and broadcast recorded footage of the event on Korean Central Television.
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