North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a massive military parade showcasing the country’s latest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the Hwasong-20, in Pyongyang on Friday night, according to state media KCNA. The event celebrated the 80th anniversary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, drawing high-profile attendees including Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Russia’s former President Dmitry Medvedev, and Vietnam’s Communist Party chief To Lam.
Described by KCNA as North Korea’s strongest nuclear strategic weapon system, the Hwasong-20 underscores Pyongyang’s growing capability to target the U.S. mainland. Analysts, however, note ongoing doubts about its guidance precision and the warhead’s re-entry stability. Ankit Panda of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace said the Hwasong-20 represents the peak of North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and is likely designed for multiple warheads, posing new challenges to U.S. missile defense systems.
The parade also featured hypersonic missiles, cruise missiles, multiple rocket launchers, and a suicide drone launcher, demonstrating advancements in the nation’s diverse arsenal. North Korean analyst Hong Min highlighted the country’s continued investment in varied military technologies to reinforce deterrence.
During the ceremony, Kim delivered a speech praising North Korean troops, expressing pride in their overseas missions and pledging to strengthen the military into an “invincible force” capable of crushing all threats. Kim also met with Medvedev earlier, where both sides emphasized military cooperation and shared goals. KCNA further reported that Vietnam and North Korea signed new cooperation agreements across defense, foreign affairs, and health sectors, signaling deepening ties with key socialist allies.
The display of power and diplomacy marks a bold message of unity among Pyongyang, Beijing, Moscow, and Hanoi, reaffirming North Korea’s intent to assert its presence in the global geopolitical arena.


Judge Orders Return of Seized Evidence in Comey-Related Case, DOJ May Seek New Warrant
Belarus Frees 123 Political Prisoners in U.S.-Brokered Deal Over Sanctions
Special Prosecutor Alleges Yoon Suk Yeol Sought North Korea Provocation to Justify Martial Law
California, 18 States Sue to Block Trump’s $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee
Zelenskiy Signals Willingness to Drop NATO Bid as Ukraine, U.S. Hold Crucial Peace Talks in Berlin
Preservation Group Sues Trump Administration to Halt $300 Million White House Ballroom Project
Thailand Vows Continued Military Action Amid Cambodia Border Clash Despite Trump Ceasefire Claim
Israeli Airstrike in Gaza Targets Senior Hamas Commander Amid Ceasefire Tensions
U.S. Intelligence Briefly Curtailed Information Sharing With Israel Amid Gaza War Concerns
Korea Zinc Plans $6.78 Billion U.S. Smelter Investment With Government Partnership
International Stabilization Force for Gaza Nears Deployment as U.S.-Led Planning Advances
Russian Drone Attack Hits Turkish Cargo Ship Carrying Sunflower Oil to Egypt, Ukraine Says
New Epstein Photos Surface Showing Trump as Lawmakers Near Document Release Deadline
Colombia’s Clan del Golfo Peace Talks Signal Mandatory Prison Sentences for Top Leaders
Ukraine’s NATO Concession Unlikely to Shift Peace Talks, Experts Say
Syria Arrests Five Suspects After Deadly Attack on U.S. and Syrian Troops in Palmyra
U.S. Soldiers Killed in ISIS Attack in Palmyra, Syria During Counterterrorism Mission 



