North Korea Unveils ‘Strongest’ Missile at Parade
North Korea held a large military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of its ruling Workers’ Party, during which leader Kim Jong Un unveiled a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) named Hwasong-20, described by state media as the country’s “strongest nuclear strategic weapon system.”
Parade and Missile Debut
The Hwasong-20 was displayed mounted on an 11-axle launcher truck. State reports claim it uses a solid-fuel engine made with carbon fiber, producing higher thrust than prior designs. Analysts note the missile is still untested and there are questions about its guidance systems and payload re-entry survivability.
Other military hardware shown at the event included cruise missiles, hypersonic systems, and drone launchers. Foreign dignitaries from China, Russia, and Vietnam attended the parade, signaling diplomatic engagement alongside military displays.
Reactions and Strategic Implications
Experts caution that though the Hwasong-20’s public debut is a show of strength, its operational readiness is unverified. The missile’s capabilities in accuracy, multiwarhead deployment, and defense penetration remain speculative. Despite the theatrical display, North Korea still faces serious technical challenges.
The parade underscores Pyongyang’s intent to push its strategic narrative and bolster alliances with Russia and China. Observers say the show may complicate diplomatic efforts to resume denuclearization negotiations with the U.S.
