North Korean leader Kim Jong Un led a grand military parade that displayed the country’s new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The event took place in Pyongyang and was attended by several foreign dignitaries, according to state media KCNA on Saturday.
The parade started late on Friday night and celebrated the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea, the country’s ruling political organization. It followed earlier celebrations held on Thursday to mark the same event.
International Guests Attend Parade
Several international leaders were present at the parade, standing alongside Kim Jong Un. Among them were Chinese Premier Li Qiang, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, and Vietnam’s Communist Party Chief To Lam.
These appearances highlighted North Korea’s growing ties with China, Russia, and Vietnam, countries that have maintained friendly relations despite Pyongyang’s growing isolation from much of the world. Other international guests also attended and watched the military display.
Display of the Hwasong-20 Missile
The most eye-catching part of the parade was North Korea’s new Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile. KCNA described it as the country’s “strongest nuclear strategic weapon system.”
This missile is the latest in the Hwasong series of ICBMs, which are designed to carry nuclear warheads capable of reaching targets as far as the United States mainland. However, experts say that there are still questions about how accurate the missile is and whether its warhead can survive the intense heat during re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.
Ankit Panda, a researcher at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in the United States, said the Hwasong-20 shows North Korea’s ambition to improve its long-range nuclear weapons.
“The Hwasong-20 represents the height of North Korea’s current long-range nuclear capabilities,” Panda explained. “We can expect that North Korea might test this missile before the end of the year.”
He added that the new missile may be designed to carry multiple warheads instead of just one. This would make it more difficult for U.S. missile defense systems to intercept, strengthening Kim Jong Un’s deterrence strategy against Washington.
Other Weapons on Display
In addition to the Hwasong-20, the parade also featured a range of other advanced weapons. These included:
Hypersonic ballistic missiles
Cruise missiles
A new type of multiple rocket launcher
A launcher for suicide drones
According to Hong Min, a North Korea expert at the Korea Institute for National Unification, these weapons show that Pyongyang is continuing to expand and modernize its arsenal, despite international sanctions and economic challenges.
Kim Jong Un’s Speech
During the parade, Kim Jong Un gave a speech in which he praised North Korean soldiers for their bravery and loyalty. He also offered “warm encouragement” to troops serving both inside and outside the country.
Kim said that North Korea’s military will continue to grow stronger and must be ready to “destroy all threats.” He emphasized that the country’s soldiers would not only defend North Korea but also serve in “outposts of socialist construction”—a phrase suggesting North Korean involvement in supporting allies abroad.
Strengthening Ties with Russia and Vietnam
Earlier on Friday, Kim met with Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian president, for bilateral talks. According to KCNA, Medvedev praised the “sacrifices of North Korean soldiers” who fought alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, saying their support reflected the trust and friendship between the two nations.
Kim told Medvedev that North Korea wants to deepen cooperation with Russia, expand economic and military exchanges, and work together to achieve shared goals.
Meanwhile, North Korea and Vietnam signed a series of cooperation agreements covering areas such as defense, foreign affairs, and healthcare. Details of these agreements were not made public, but analysts believe they show North Korea’s efforts to strengthen regional partnerships amid Western isolation.
Growing Isolation and International Concerns
North Korea’s military activities, including its missile programs, have drawn strong criticism from the United States, Japan, and South Korea. Many countries have imposed economic sanctions on Pyongyang for its continued nuclear development and weapons testing.
However, Kim Jong Un appears to be using these parades to show strength and confidence, proving to the world that his regime remains powerful and determined to expand its nuclear deterrent.
The parade ended with soldiers marching in formation and massive displays of military vehicles under bright lights, as Kim smiled and waved to the cheering crowds.