Overview

• Defense Development-2025 opened in Pyongyang on Oct. 4, marking the exhibition’s third straight year, with Kim Jong Un calling nuclear forces the backbone of a modernized military.
• State media photos showed long-range ICBMs, cruise missiles, drones and armored vehicles displayed at the venue.
• Kim accused the United States and South Korea of drills based on nuclear operation scenarios and said North Korea has assigned unspecified “special assets” to major targets.
• He warned that the United States’ regional force buildup would prompt corresponding steps and suggested the safety of South Korean territory could be at risk.
• Seoul reported signs of large-scale parade rehearsals and urged Pyongyang to engage in dialogue, while analysts say the Oct. 10 event could feature a next-generation Hwasong-20 ICBM or other new systems.