North Korea Unveils New Long-Range Missile Flanked by Russian and Chinese Officials
North Korea showcased a new, powerful intercontinental ballistic missile, the Hwasong-20, during a large military parade in Pyongyang. The event, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the ruling party, was attended by high-level delegations from China and Russia, including Chinese Premier Li Qiang and former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. The public display of advanced weaponry alongside key allies signals a strengthening anti-US coalition and raises concerns about regional and global security.
Unpacked:
The Hwasong-20 uses solid fuel and a canisterized launcher, enabling faster launches and greater survivability. Its larger nose cone suggests capacity for multiple warheads or penetration aids, marking an evolution from previous models like the liquid-fueled Hwasong-17 and solid-fueled Hwasong-19.
Attendance by Chinese Premier Li Qiang and former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev indicates closer ties between North Korea, China, and Russia, signaling a potential united front against U.S. influence and reinforcing the perception of a strengthening anti-U.S. coalition.
North Korea claims the Hwasong-20 can reach 15,000 km and carry multiple nuclear warheads, but these assertions have not yet been verified by publicly documented flight testing. Experts remain cautious until its full operational performance is demonstrated.
The Hwasong-20’s advancements complicate U.S. early warning and missile defense due to its mobility, reduced launch signatures, and possible multiple warheads. Its claimed range puts the continental U.S. at risk, increasing strategic concerns for Washington and its allies.