Kim Jong Un Shows Off Hwasong-20 Missile in Pyongyang
During a military parade in Pyongyang, Kim Jong Un unveiled the Hwasong-20 missile launch, showcasing North Korea’s most advanced ICBM.
During a military procession in the North Korean capital of Pyongyang, Kim Jong Un unveiled Hwasong-20, North Korea’s newest and most advanced intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), on the anniversary of the ruling Workers’ Party, including Russian and Chinese higher officials, highlighting the strategic significance of the event and demonstrating North Korean military ambitions despite rising tensions in the region.
The military parade included long-range cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) launch platforms, land-to-air guided missile systems, and by far, the most capable missile in the North Korean arsenal, the Hwasong-20, which Kim reminded the audience is the “most powerful nuclear strategic weapon system” in North Korea’s arsenal, which is indicative that North Korea is still focused on perfecting better conventional and nuclear weapon systems.
Capabilities and Features of the Hwasong-20 Missile Launch
A large 11-axle transporter-erector-launcher (TEL) tractor vehicle launches the Hwasong-20; its mobility makes it difficult to detect or target.
Moreover, engineers redesigned the missile with a carbon-fiber solid-fueled engine that produces 1,971 kilonewtons of thrust. Some analysts believe the flared nose suggests it could fit some sort of (multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV)) payload system, capable of attacking multiple targets that can defeat sophisticated adversarial defenses.
Moreover, due to its carbon fiber construction, the warhead would survive extreme temperatures during atmospheric re-entry. Solid fuel technology affords North Korea near real-time launch capabilities, which bolsters its credibility and deterrence against threats. These developments reflect dual-prong policies to acquire not only conventional war-fighting capabilities for the Kim regime, but also nuclear deterrent capability against its rivals regionally and globally.
Global Impact of Hwasong-20 Missile Launch on Regional Security
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of the Russian Security Council; Li Qiang, the premier of China; and To Lam from Vietnam were in attendance to observe the parade. Their presence strongly suggests Pyongyang has a diplomatic and military messaging avenue through the Northeast Asia region. Medvedev highlighted that North Korea’s support is an impetus for Russia’s actions against Ukraine, while Kim made a point of emphasizing cooperation and self-reliance for military development.
Such bravado reflects Kim’s intention to assert power and to solidify postured partnerships. He referred to North Korea as a “pillar of independence” and noted that North Korea would emerge standing against external pressures. It demonstrates to the United States and its allies in South Korea and Japan that Pyongyang is swiftly continuing to develop and execute missiles.
Strategic Consideration, Future Trends
The Hwasong-20 parade is illustrative of North Korea’s dual-track approach that includes pursuing a conventional and nuclear option concurrently to strengthen its deterrent posture, increase its power projection, and leverage its influence on the security calculations of others in the region. The presence of military defense officials from both Russia and China may indicate some level of alignment of interests relative to strategy in Northeast Asia.
North Korea is likely to continue with its progress towards long-range missile capabilities, including solid-fuel technology, not only as a legitimate goal in itself, but also as a reflection of Pyongyang’s desire for self-reliance during an already complicated security calculus in the region. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/north-korea-unveils-new-missile-parade-2025-10-10/The Hwasong-20 is indicative of Pyongyang’s foresight and intention of retaining leverage, and over the next few years, to stress test the regional security architecture in Northeast Asia.
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