North Korea Displays Hypersonic Missile and ICBMs in Military Parade
North Korea showcased a new hypersonic glide vehicle, the Hwasong-11Ma, and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), including the Hwasong-20, during a military parade yesterday marking the 80th anniversary of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea.
The parade, held in Pyongyang’s Kim Il Sung Square, featured an array of weaponry, with state media highlighting the Hwasong-20 as North Korea’s “most powerful nuclear strategic weapons system.” This display follows leader Kim Jong Un’s recent visit to Beijing, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, strengthening strategic ties and potentially bolstering his nation’s weapons program. Since that trip, North Korean state media has reported on advancements in its missile technology, including the Hwasong-11Ma and Hwasong-20.
The Hwasong-11Ma, first exhibited at a Pyongyang exposition last week, is based on Russia’s Iskander missiles and utilizes a boost glide vehicle for an erratic and difficult-to-intercept trajectory. North Korea has been developing hypersonic glide vehicles since 2021, with recent tests employing solid-fueled booster rockets for quicker deployment – a capability potentially informed by Russia’s use of similar technology in Ukraine. The Hwasong-20, a nuclear-capable ICBM, was also presented, though it may have been a canister atop a transporter-launch vehicle, as Pyongyang has not yet announced flight tests. This development raises concerns about North Korea’s continued pursuit of weapons capable of reaching the United States, as detailed in reports from the Congressional Research Service.
Beyond the missiles, the parade included upgraded main battle tanks, the Cheonma-20, and troops reportedly involved in fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev was among the foreign dignitaries in attendance. The display of advanced weaponry underscores North Korea’s commitment to modernizing its military despite international sanctions and diplomatic pressure.
State media reported enthusiastic cheers from spectators as the Hwasong-20 ICBMs passed through the square, and officials indicated further tests and development of these systems are planned.
