TYRANT Kim Jong-un showed off a new ballistic missile said to have one of the “most powerful” nuclear systems ever at a massive military parade.
In a show of force, Nuclear-armed Pyongyang displayed a slew of new-age weapons, including its most advanced Hwasong-20 ICBM.
A photo released by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) shows a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) during a military paradeEPA
Kim Jong-un is attending a military parade to celebrate the 80th founding anniversary of the Workers’ Party of KoreaEPA
The new, yet-to-be-tested missile has been described as the country’s “most powerful nuclear strategic weapon system”.
At least three of them were wheeled out on 11-axle launcher trucks – to show Pyongyang’s military might
The new missiles’ existence was first revealed in recent weeks as North Korea tested a new solid-fuel rocket engine that it said was intended for future ICBMs.
State media said the engine, built with carbon fiber, is more powerful than past models.
Kim has called for the development of multi-warhead systems that would improve the chances of penetrating missile defences, and some experts say the Hwasong-20 could be designed for that purpose.
The devastating weapon, which could wreak havoc if launched at enemies, gives Pyongyang the capacity to target anywhere in the US.
Ankit Panda of the US-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace said: “The Hwasong-20 represents, for the moment, the apotheosis of North Korea’s ambitions for long-range nuclear delivery capabilities. We should expect to see the system tested before the end of this year,” said Ankit Panda of the U.S.-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
“The system is likely designed for the delivery of multiple warheads… Multiple warheads will increase stresses on existing U.S. missile defence systems and augment what Kim sees as necessary to achieve meaningful deterrence effects against Washington.”
Other weapons on display included hypersonic ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, a new type of multiple rocket launcher and a launcher for suicide drones.
The parade marked the 80th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers Party, and highlighted Kim’s relentless drive to build an arsenal that could target the continental United States and his rivals in Asia.
Kim vowed to crush his enemies in a fiery speech while overseeing the military spectacle.
“Our army should continue to grow into an invincible entity that destroys all threats,” Kim said.
He expressed “warm encouragement” for North Korean troops in overseas operations, adding its military’s heroism will not only be seen in the defence of North Korea but also in “outposts of socialist construction,” KCNA said.
A new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) during a military parade celebrating the 80th founding anniversary of the Workers’ Party of KoreaEPA