At the military parade held to mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party, North Korea unveiled its new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the Hwasong-20.
On October 11, the Korean Central News Agency reported on the parade held the previous day at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, stating, "As the formation of the Hwasongpho-20, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's most powerful nuclear strategic weapon system, filled the main route and entered the square, the crowd's enthusiastic cheers reached a crescendo."
Kim Jong Un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, is speaking at the plenary meeting of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party. Photo by Yonhap News
Last month, North Korea conducted a ground test of a new high-thrust solid-fuel engine. At that time, it was announced that the engine would be used in the new Hwasong-20 ICBM, and the warhead of the Hwasong-20, presumed to be multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs), was also revealed. The Hwasong-20 has been developed to expand its range or increase its warhead weight to enhance its destructive power, and there was attention on whether it would be unveiled at this parade.
The parade also featured hypersonic missiles, which are considered weapons capable of neutralizing enemy missile defense systems.
The Korean Central News Agency reported, "Strategic weapon systems, the embodiment of absolute power that forms the essence of our national defense, entered the square with a resounding impact," adding, "Formations of hypersonic glide missiles and hypersonic medium- and long-range strategic missiles marched forward."
It also stated that formations of long-range strategic cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicle launch vehicles, and surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missiles followed in succession.
North Korea also showcased its conventional forces, including self-propelled artillery and multiple rocket launchers.
The Central News Agency explained, "Following the formation of the modern main battle tank 'Chonma-20,' the 155mm self-propelled howitzer formation, representing the strength of our army's primary artillery force, advanced across the square with their barrels raised in a display of determination."
The parade formations were led by Defense Minister No Kwang-chol. After the strategic force, which oversees missile operations, and the special operations force, overseas operational units also appeared.
In his speech at the parade, Chairman Kim Jong Un stated, "Our military must continue to evolve as an invincible entity capable of eliminating any threat approaching our defensive sphere, with overwhelming political, ideological, and military-technical superiority. It must also be continuously strengthened as an elite force that builds the foundation of victory through morality and military discipline."
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