Overview

• North Korea rolled out the yet-to-be-tested Hwasong-20 ICBM, which KCNA labeled its “most powerful” nuclear strategic weapon.
• State media tied the missile to recent high-thrust solid-fuel engine trials of about 1,971 kilonewtons, pointing to faster launch readiness.
• Analysts say the design may aim for multiple warheads and a U.S.-range capability, though guidance and reentry performance remain unproven.
• Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Russia’s Dmitry Medvedev and Vietnam’s To Lam attended the parade, underscoring closer ties with Beijing and Moscow.
• The event also showcased hypersonic and other strategic missiles plus new tanks and artillery, as Kim urged an “invincible” military and KCNA highlighted an “overseas operations unit” widely interpreted as forces sent to Russia.