North Korean leader Kim Jong Un showcased what state media called the country's "strongest nuclear strategic weapon system" during a late-night military parade in Pyongyang, unveiling the Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile in front of foreign dignitaries from China, Russia, and Vietnam.
The parade, held Friday to mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers' Party, was among the largest in recent years, featuring advanced long-range and hypersonic missiles, cruise weapons, and new rocket launchers. Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Russia's former president Dmitry Medvedev, and Vietnam's Communist Party chief To Lam stood alongside Kim as the new missile was rolled through Kim Il Sung Square, state news agency KCNA reported Saturday.
North Korea described the Hwasong-20 as the pinnacle of its nuclear arsenal, designed to enhance its capability to strike anywhere on the U.S. mainland. "The Hwasong-20 represents, for the moment, the apotheosis of North Korea's ambitions for long-range nuclear delivery capabilities," said Ankit Panda of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. He added that the missile is "likely designed for the delivery of multiple warheads," which could strain U.S. missile defense systems.
Although Pyongyang claims the weapon can reach intercontinental targets, experts remain uncertain about its guidance precision and whether its warhead can survive atmospheric re-entry. Analysts at the Korea Institute for National Unification said other systems displayed included hypersonic ballistic missiles, a new multiple rocket launcher, and suicide drone launchers-indicating continued diversification of North Korea's strike capabilities.
In a speech at the parade, Kim urged his military to strengthen its offensive capacity, telling troops to "continue to grow into an invincible entity that destroys all threats." KCNA said Kim expressed "warm encouragement" to North Korean forces deployed abroad, describing their heroism as vital not only for national defense but also for "outposts of socialist construction."
Earlier in the day, Kim met with Medvedev for bilateral talks where the Russian official praised "the sacrifice of North Korean soldiers fighting for Russia in its military campaign in Ukraine," according to Russian state media. Kim responded that he hopes to "continue strengthening cooperation with Russia and to closely engage in diverse exchanges to achieve common goals."
The two sides reaffirmed their expanding partnership amid Moscow's ongoing conflict with Kyiv. KCNA said Vietnam and North Korea also signed new agreements covering defense, foreign affairs, and health cooperation.
