Pyongyang – In a significant display of military might, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un unveiled the Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) during a grand military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea.
The event, held on October 10, 2025, featured international dignitaries, including Chinese Premier Li Qiang, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, and Vietnamese Communist Party leader To Lam, highlighting North Korea’s growing diplomatic ties with key allies.
The Hwasong-20, mounted on an 11-axle transporter erector launcher, is described by state media as the nation’s “most powerful nuclear strategic weapon system.”
It is equipped with a new solid-fuel engine made from carbon fibre, capable of producing 1,971 kilonewtons of thrust, a significant increase over previous models. Experts believe the missile may be designed to carry multiple warheads, enhancing its ability to penetrate advanced missile defence systems.
The parade also showcased other advanced weaponry, including hypersonic missiles, cruise missiles, suicide drone launchers, and upgraded artillery and tanks.
Kim Jong Un delivered a speech emphasizing the nation’s military strength and vowing to “crush all threats,” underscoring his commitment to bolstering North Korea’s defence capabilities.
Analysts anticipate that North Korea may conduct a test launch of the Hwasong-20 in the near future to demonstrate its operational readiness.
While the missile’s potential to reach the U.S. mainland raises concerns, questions remain about its guidance system and the warhead’s ability to withstand atmospheric re-entry.
The parade and the unveiling of the Hwasong-20 signal North Korea’s ongoing efforts to enhance its nuclear deterrent and assert its position on the global stage.
Sources: Al Jazeera, Reuters, The Express, NK News
