North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un has showcased nuclear-capable missiles and new attack drones with a large military parade in the capital Pyongyang. The Supreme Leader oversaw the parade to mark “Victory Day”, North Korea’s name for the end of hostilities in the 1950-53 Korean War, on Thursday night while accompanied by visiting delegations from China and Russia.
The Chinese and Russian delegations, including Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, were the first high-profile visitors to North Korea since the COVID pandemic began. The appearance of the two delegations at an event where the North’s nuclear missiles were displayed was in contrast to previous years. The parade featured North Korea’s latest Hwasong-17 and Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missiles, state news agency KCTA reported. The Hwasong-17 and Hwasong-18 are believed to have the range to hit targets anywhere in the United States.
The event also included the flyover of new combat and spy drones, KCTA informed. The North Korean leader was also reported to have watched the parade from a balcony overlooking Pyongyang’s central square, along with Russian Defense Minister Shoigu and senior Chinese company official Li Hongzhong. The streets of the capital were filled with spectators who loudly expressed their approval of what they saw in the parade. North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un latest showcase of military power comes at a time of elevated tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
North Korea has carried out repeated weapons tests this year, including several launches of the Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile, which Pyongyang has described as its most powerful weapon yet.
Reporter
