North Korea unveils new ballistic missiles at military parade

North Korea displayed nuclear-capable missiles and drones at a massive military parade in Pyongyang attended by leader Kim Jong Un and delegations from China and Russia, state news agency KCNA reported on July 28.

The parade was held solemnly on the evening of July 27 to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War, also known as “Victory Day” in the country.

Initial photos released by North Korea showed North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sitting between Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chinese Communist Party Politburo member Li Hongzhong watching the performance.

World - North Korea unveils series of advanced ballistic missiles at parade — Kim Jong Un (third from left), along with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu (second from left) and Chinese Communist Party Politburo member Li Hongzhong (right), attend a military parade on July 27. Photo: NK News

World - North Korea revealed a series of state-of-the-art ballistic missiles at the parade (Photo 2). — Thousands of soldiers took part in a parade marking the 70th anniversary of the signing of the armistice agreement in Korea on July 27. Photo: Reuters

High-level delegations from China and Russia are the first visitors to North Korea since the Covid-19 pandemic began.

Among the weapons on display were intercontinental ballistic missiles such as the liquid-fueled Hwasong-17 ICBM and the solid-fueled Hwasong-18 ICBM.

KCNA also described the Hwasong-18 ICBM as “the core and most powerful means” of the country’s strategic force to overwhelm the enemy’s nuclear threats. The missiles are said to have the range to strike targets anywhere in the United States.

World - North Korea revealed a series of state-of-the-art ballistic missiles at the parade (Photo 3). — A model of the Hwasong-18 solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) is displayed at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang on July 27. Photo: CNA/KCNA

World - North Korea revealed a series of state-of-the-art ballistic missiles at the parade (Photo 4). — The Hwasong-18 ICBM is described as North Korea's "most powerful and core vehicle." Photo: Reuters

North Korea fired a Hwasong-18 ICBM earlier this month after its first test in April. Solid-fuel ICBMs are among a range of high-tech weapons North Korea has said it will develop, including military spy satellites and nuclear-powered submarines.

According to KCNA, many attack and reconnaissance drones performed demonstration flights while circling the sky above Kim Il Sung Square, doubling the joy of people celebrating North Korea's victory.

World - North Korea revealed a series of state-of-the-art ballistic missiles at the parade (Photo 5). — Many tanks and drones were introduced at the ceremony. Photo: France24/KCNA

“This is North Korea’s largest, most public demonstration of a nuclear-capable system to foreign officials,” Ankit Panda, a senior fellow in the nuclear policy program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace , wrote on social media.

Observers say North Korea clearly wants to use the anniversary events to show solidarity with China and Russia, amid increased security cooperation between South Korea, the United States and Japan.

World - North Korea revealed a series of state-of-the-art ballistic missiles at the parade (Photo 6). — Panoramic view of the ceremony celebrating the 70th anniversary of "Victory Day" at Kim Il Sung Square on July 27. Photo: Reuters

World - North Korea revealed a series of state-of-the-art ballistic missiles at the parade (Photo 7). — This is the 14th military parade held in North Korea under Kim Jong Un. Photo: Yonhap

“The message is clear: Kim Jong Un has the backing of two powerful regional partners, which are also veto-wielding members of the UN Security Council,” Mr. Panda added.

Kim Jong Un's regime has held 14 military parades, including this week's. The last one was held in February to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of North Korea's armed forces. The Hwasong-18 ICBM was first introduced at the event .

Nguyen Tuyet (According to Yonhap, Reuters, Al Jazeera, Bloomberg)

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