North Korea Showcases New Intercontinental Missile at Grand Military Parade
October 11, 2025) —
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un presided over a grand military parade in Pyongyang, marking the 80th anniversary of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK). The event featured the unveiling of the country’s newest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), state media KCNA reported on Saturday.
The parade, which began late Friday, was attended by several international dignitaries, including Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Russia’s former President Dmitry Medvedev, and Vietnam’s Communist Party chief To Lam.
During the event, North Korea displayed its advanced Hwasong-20 ICBM, described by KCNA as the nation’s “strongest nuclear strategic weapon system.” Analysts say the Hwasong series gives Pyongyang the ability to target distant regions, although experts still question the precision of its guidance and re-entry technology.
“The Hwasong-20 represents the peak of North Korea’s current long-range missile development,” said Ankit Panda, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. “It’s likely designed for multiple warheads, which could challenge existing missile defense systems.”
In addition to the Hwasong-20, the parade showcased hypersonic ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, a new multiple rocket launcher, and a suicide drone launcher, according to Hong Min from the Korea Institute for National Unification.
Kim Jong Un addressed the parade, encouraging the armed forces to strengthen their defensive capabilities and play an active role in what he called “outposts of socialist construction.”
Earlier in the day, Kim met with Dmitry Medvedev, who praised the “mutual trust” between Russia and North Korea. The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation across various sectors. Meanwhile, Vietnam and North Korea signed agreements covering defense, foreign affairs, and health, according to KCNA.
The celebration underscored Pyongyang’s continued efforts to display military advancement and deepen ties with key international partners.
