According to the state-run [North] Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the new Hwasong-20 ICBM, hailed as "the most powerful nuclear strategic weapon system," made its first public appearance at the parade the previous day, signaling the North's intent to accelerate its nuclear arsenal and continue to develop missiles and other weapons capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.
Despite rain that some speculated might disrupt the event, the late-night parade went ahead as planned, with leader Kim Jong-un joined by high-ranking officials and dignitaries from China, Russia, Viet Nam, and other countries, showcasing strengthened ties with the country's key allies.
The rare appearance of foreign leaders at the parade came about a month after Kim appeared along with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a similar large-scale military parade in Beijing earlier last month, in a show of unity against the West.
Other weapons on display included short-range ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, howitzers, and battle tanks, as well as hypersonic missiles, which North Korea has previously claimed are capable of striking targets in the South.
The unveiling of the Hwasong-20 follows North Korea's announcement last month of a successful test of a new high-thrust solid-fuel engine, which KCNA said was the ninth and final test in the development of "next-generation" ICBMs.
The engine reportedly has a maximum thrust of 1,971 kilonewtons, indicating progress toward developing a missile capable of carrying multiple warheads.
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