North Korea unveils Hwasong‑20 solid‑fuel ICBM
At an 80th Workers’ Party anniversary military parade in Pyongyang, North Korea unveiled the Hwasong‑20 — at least three solid‑fuel ICBMs shown on 11‑axle transporter‑erector‑launchers with Chinese leader Li Qiang, Russia’s Dmitry Medvedev and Vietnam’s To Lam among the foreign dignitaries present. State media KCNA hailed the missile as the “most powerful nuclear strategic weapons system,” saying it uses a new carbon‑fiber solid‑fuel engine and has not been tested, while analysts and reports noted possible MIRV capability and suggested Pyongyang may be preparing tests in the coming weeks; Kim also praised “thousands” of soldiers sent to fight in Russia, who marched carrying North Korean and Russian flags.
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📌 Key Facts
- North Korea unveiled the Hwasong‑20, a new solid‑fuel intercontinental ballistic missile that state media (KCNA) called the 'most powerful nuclear strategic weapons system,' but the weapon has not yet been flight‑tested.
- KCNA and state reporting said the Hwasong‑20 uses a carbon‑fiber solid‑fuel engine that is more powerful than past models, emphasizing greater power, mobility and readiness.
- At least three Hwasong‑20s were displayed on 11‑axle transporter‑erector‑launcher (TEL) trucks during the parade; analysts warned the missile could be designed for MIRV capability and that North Korea may prepare a test in the coming weeks.
- The parade — held in heavy rain to mark the 80th anniversary of the Workers’ Party — also showcased hypersonic ballistic missiles, military drones, tanks with electronic‑warfare equipment and other long‑range systems.
- Senior foreign officials attended and stood with Kim Jong Un on the podium, including China’s Li Qiang, Vietnam’s Communist Party chief To Lam, and Russia’s Dmitry Medvedev; Kim met privately with Medvedev during the visit.
- Kim publicly praised 'thousands' of North Korean soldiers sent to fight with Russia, calling their conduct 'heroic'; veterans who fought in Ukraine marched carrying both North Korean and Russian flags, and South Korean officials estimate Pyongyang has provided about 15,000 troops plus large shipments of artillery, rockets and missiles to Russia.
- In his remarks Kim urged building an 'invincible entity' and continuing a 'joint struggle' against 'injustice and hegemony' but did not directly mention the United States or South Korea; analysts note a regional policy shift as China and Russia have recently downplayed denuclearization in statements with North Korea.
📚 Contextual Background
- Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 2022-02-24.
📰 Sources (5)
North Korea displays new long-range missile at military parade celebrating Kim Jong Un
New information:
- AP/PBS reports Kim may be preparing to test the Hwasong‑20 in the coming weeks.
- Kim publicly praised 'thousands' of North Korean soldiers he sent to fight in Russia, calling their conduct 'heroic' and an example of 'ideological and spiritual perfection.'
- KCNA emphasized the new solid‑fuel engine is built with carbon fiber and 'more powerful than past models.'
- Kim’s speech urged becoming an 'invincible entity' but made no direct mention of the U.S. or South Korea; high‑level Chinese, Vietnamese and Russian officials stood with him at the podium.
- Parade specifics: began in heavy rain, marked the 80th anniversary of the Workers’ Party, and displayed at least three Hwasong‑20s on 11‑axle TELs.
North Korea exhibits new missile at military parade for ruling party's anniversary
New information:
- CBS specifies at least three Hwasong‑20 missiles were paraded on 11‑axle launcher trucks.
- State media’s claim the new solid‑fuel engine is built with carbon fiber and is more powerful than past models.
- Kim praised 'thousands' of North Korean soldiers sent to Russia and they marched under North Korean and Russian flags.
- Parade marked the 80th anniversary of the Workers’ Party; Kim’s speech did not directly mention the U.S. or South Korea.
- Detail on foreign dignitaries’ attendance and positioning (Li Qiang at Kim’s right; To Lam on his left; Medvedev present).
- Analytical note that Hwasong‑20 could be designed for multi‑warhead (MIRV) capability and may be prepared for testing in coming weeks.
North Korea Flaunts New Missiles in Parade With Chinese and Russian Officials
New information:
- NYT reports North Korean soldiers who fought in Russia’s war in Ukraine marched in the parade carrying both countries’ flags.
- South Korean officials estimate North Korea has provided Russia about 15,000 troops plus large shipments of artillery shells, rockets and missiles.
- Parade lineup included hypersonic ballistic missiles, military drones, and tanks with electronic-warfare equipment alongside Hwasong‑20 ICBMs (still untested).
- Kim Jong‑un vowed to continue a 'joint struggle' against 'injustice and hegemony' ahead of the parade.
- Analysis highlights a policy shift: Russian officials have indicated denuclearization is a 'closed' matter and China has recently stopped referencing 'denuclearization' in statements with North Korea.
- South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said last month North Korea is close to fielding ICBMs capable of striking the U.S. mainland.
Kim Jong Un shows off 'most powerful' ballistic missile as foreign leaders watch North Korea military parade
New information:
- KCNA characterized the Hwasong-20 as the 'most powerful nuclear strategic weapons system' and noted it has not yet been tested.
- Vietnam’s Communist Party chief To Lam also attended the parade, in addition to China’s Li Qiang and Russia’s Dmitry Medvedev.
- Kim Jong Un met with Dmitry Medvedev on Friday; the report says Medvedev praised the sacrifice of North Korean soldiers fighting with Russia in Ukraine.
- Kim said he hopes to strengthen ties with Russia and work together toward common goals.