North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, presided over a grand military parade in Pyongyang on Friday, marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers' Party.
The event showcased an array of advanced weaponry, with the debut of the Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile drawing particular attention.
State media described the missile as the country's most powerful nuclear strategic weapon system.
Mounted on an 11-axle launcher truck, the Hwasong-20 represents a significant advancement in North Korea's long-range delivery capabilities.
Its recent revelation followed tests of a new solid-fuel rocket engine made with carbon fiber, capable of producing 1,971 kilonewtons of thrust.
This engine surpasses the power of previous North Korean designs.
The Hwasong series has enabled North Korea to target distant locations, though uncertainties persist regarding the missiles' guidance precision and warhead re-entry durability.
Experts anticipate a test of the Hwasong-20 before year's end.
The parade also featured hypersonic ballistic missiles, long-range strategic cruise missiles, multiple rocket launchers, and drone launch vehicles.
These displays highlight ongoing efforts to modernize the arsenal.
The Hwasong-20 stands as the pinnacle of North Korea's pursuit of enhanced nuclear deterrence.
Analysts suggest it may accommodate multiple warheads, a feature aimed at challenging enemy defenses.
Such capabilities could heighten pressures on existing missile defense systems, particularly those of the United States.
Kim has directed his military to pursue this technology to bolster penetration of adversarial shields.
In his address following the parade, Kim portrayed North Korea as a steadfast socialist force and a defender of independence against Western dominance.
He urged the armed forces to evolve into an unassailable power capable of neutralizing all threats.
Additionally, Kim offered encouragement to troops engaged in overseas endeavors, framing their actions as contributions to socialist outposts.
Foreign dignitaries, including Russia's Dmitry Medvedev, China's Premier Li Qiang, and Vietnam's Communist Party chief To Lam, attended the proceedings.
Medvedev, deputy head of Russia's Security Council, met with Kim to affirm deepening ties.
He acknowledged North Korea's support for Russia's military efforts in Ukraine, noting the shared sacrifices that solidify their alliance.
Medvedev highlighted the involvement of North Korean soldiers in operations to reclaim the Kursk region.
In reply, Kim expressed aspirations for intensified collaboration and multifaceted exchanges with Russia to pursue mutual objectives.
Vietnam and North Korea formalized agreements on cooperation across defense, foreign affairs, and health sectors.
These pacts signal broadening diplomatic engagements amid the celebratory events.