North Korea unveils new intercontinental ballistic missile at military parade
11 October, 2020
North Korea showcased previously unseen intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) at an unprecedented predawn military parade on Saturday (Oct 10) that showcased the country's long-range missiles for the very first time in two years.
Analysts said the missile, which was displayed on a transporter vehicle with 11 axles, would be one of the major road-mobile ICBMs on the globe if it becomes operational.
Also displayed were the Hwasong-15, which is the longest-range missile ever tested by North Korea, and what appeared to be a fresh submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM).
Prior to the parade, that was held to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of its ruling Workers' Party, officials in South Korea and america said Kim Jong Un might use the function to unveil a new "strategic weapon" as promised earlier this season.
The parade featured North Korea's ballistic missiles for the very first time since Kim began ending up in international leaders, including US President Donald Trump, in 2018.
"We will continue steadily to build our national defence power and self-defensive war deterrence," Kim said, but vowed that the country's military power wouldn't normally be utilized preemptively. He made no direct reference to the United States or the now-stalled denuclearisation talks.
State news agency KCNA said the authority and security of North Korea hinged on "the huge nuclear strategic forces" displayed in the parade.
Kim blamed international sanctions, typhoons, and the coronavirus for preventing him from delivering on promises of economic progress.
"I am ashamed that I've never been able to repay you properly for your enormous trust," he said. "My efforts and devotion weren't sufficient to bring our people out of difficult livelihoods."
The parade was highly choreographed, with thousands of troops marching in formation, displays of new conventional military equipment including tanks, and fighter jets launching flares and fireworks.
Chad O'Carroll, CEO of the Korea Risk Group, which monitors North Korea, said more new military hardware have been displayed as of this event than at practically any other previous parade.
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