![North Korea revealed a new Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) during a nighttime military parade in Pyongyang on October 10 to mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea. [YONHAP]](https://www.koreadailyus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1010-Hwasong20.jpg)
North Korea unveiled a new Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) during a nighttime military parade in Pyongyang on October 10 to mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea. The missile, capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads, represents the country’s most advanced strategic weapon to date and is believed to have the range to strike the U.S. mainland.
According to the Rodong Sinmun on October 11, the parade took place in Kim Il Sung Square, featuring units equipped with the new Hwasong-20 ICBM as part of North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. The event also showcased hypersonic glide missiles and other medium- and long-range strategic systems.
During his address at the parade, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un emphasized the military’s duty to defend the nation’s sovereignty and protect the people. “It is the supreme mission of our armed forces to safeguard the sovereignty of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and ensure the safety and interests of our people,” he said.
Kim added that the armed forces must continue evolving into an “invincible entity” with political and technological superiority capable of eliminating any threats to national defense. He also stressed discipline and moral strength as foundations for victory.
The Hwasong-20 ICBM is powered by a solid-fuel engine, improving thrust by about 40% compared to the previous Hwasong-19. Its maximum propulsion reaches between 1,960 and 1,971 kilonewtons. The missile also uses carbon-fiber composite materials to reduce weight and increase durability, thereby extending its range. In addition, it is designed to carry multiple nuclear warheads, making interception significantly more difficult.
Experts note that the missile’s appearance signals North Korea’s intent to enhance its nuclear deterrence and send a clear message to Washington. The country has previously displayed major ICBMs at national parades, including the Hwasong-14 and Hwasong-15 in 2018, and the Hwasong-18 in 2023.
High-ranking officials from China and Russia attended the anniversary event, demonstrating growing trilateral solidarity. Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev, both considered second in command in their respective governments, visited Pyongyang for the celebration. Their presence followed last month’s Victory Day parade in Beijing, underscoring the deepening cooperation among the three nations.
Other foreign dignitaries included Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, Nicaraguan election chief Brenda Rocha, Brazilian Communist Party deputy leader Walter Sorrentino, and Equatorial Guinea Democratic Party deputy secretary-general Nyesue Menge. In addition, Vietnamese Communist Party Secretary-General To Lam, the country’s top leader, also visited Pyongyang.
BY MOOYOUNG LEE [lee.mooyoung@koreadaily.com]
