North Korea Unveils New Intercontinental Ballistic Missile

North Korea has showcased its newest and, as they claim, "most powerful" intercontinental ballistic missile during a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers' Party. The parade, held in Pyongyang's central square, was watched by the country's leader, Kim Jong Un, who was seated next to high-level delegations from China, Russia, and Vietnam.

The main novelty of the military parade, which began late on the evening of October 10, was the "Hwasong-20" intercontinental ballistic missile, which state media described as "the country's most powerful nuclear strategic weapon system." This missile, mounted on a huge 11-axle vehicle, was presented as the pinnacle of North Korea's long-range nuclear capabilities.

According to experts, the "Hwasong" series of missiles theoretically allows Pyongyang to strike any point in the US, although their targeting accuracy and the warhead's ability to withstand re-entry into the dense layers of the atmosphere remain questionable. It is assumed that the new system is designed to carry multiple warheads, which could put additional pressure on US anti-missile defense systems.

The military parade was attended by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, a delegation led by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, and the leader of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam.

In his speech, Kim Jong Un called on the armed forces to continue to develop into an "invincible" structure, but did not directly mention Washington or Seoul. He also sent "warm encouragement" to North Korean military personnel involved in overseas operations, noting that their heroism would be manifested not only in the defense of the homeland but also in the "advanced positions of socialist construction."