North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has showcased his military’s most advanced weapons, including a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), at a massive military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers’ Party.
The parade, which began Friday night in Pyongyang and was attended by foreign dignitaries, underscored Kim’s growing diplomatic standing and his continued push to develop weapons capable of targeting the continental United States and rivals in Asia.
According to the state-run North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the newly revealed ICBM, named Hwasong-20, is the “most powerful nuclear strategic weapons system” in North Korea’s arsenal.
The missile has yet to be tested but could be prepared for launch in the coming weeks, observers said.
In addition to the Hwasong-20, the parade featured shorter-range ballistic, cruise and supersonic missiles, which Pyongyang has previously described as capable of carrying nuclear warheads for strikes against South Korean targets.
Kim, who presided over the event, called for further strengthening of the country’s nuclear deterrent.
Our military must continue to evolve into an invincible force that eliminates all threats,” Kim said in a speech quoted by KCNA, though he did not directly name the United States or South Korea.
The display came amid increasing military activity in the region.
US and South Korean intelligence agencies have recently warned that Pyongyang could conduct an ICBM or satellite launch ahead of a possible new round of negotiations with Washington.
Analysts say the unveiling of the Hwasong-20 signals North Korea’s determination to modernise its strategic capabilities despite international sanctions.
“This parade serves both as domestic propaganda and a message to foreign powers that Kim’s nuclear ambitions are advancing,” said Hong Min, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul.
North Korea has conducted more than 30 missile tests so far this year, including several that analysts believe were designed to test solid-fuel propulsion and multi-warhead technology.
The anniversary parade was among the largest in recent years, featuring troops, tanks and drone formations alongside the missile units.
SOURCE:AP