Kim Jong-un shows off new 'monster' missile and declares North Korea 'coronavirus free' at military parade
North Korea unveiled a new "monster" intercontinental ballistic missile as the country commemorated the 75th anniversary of the Democratic Workers' Party of Korea (North Korea's ruling party) in Pyongyang. International media outlets were not permitted to cover this event and taking photographs was banned for foreign citizens.
Analysts present at the event said that the missile, which was shown on a transporter vehicle with 11 axles, would be one of the largest road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in the world if it becomes operational, according to a Daily Mail report.
"This missile is a monster," said Melissa Hanham, deputy director of the Open Nuclear Network. Also showcased at the event was the Hwasong-15, which is the longest-range missile ever tested by North Korea and what appeared to be a new submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM).
The parade featured North Korea's ballistic missiles for the first time since Kim Jong-un began meeting with international leaders, including US President Donald Trump, in 2018. Kim was present at the event and in his speech, he said, "We will continue to build our national defense power and self-defensive war deterrence."
Kim also vowed that the country's military power would not be used as precautiously. He made no direct mention of the United States or the now-stalled denuclearisation talks. The Supreme leader of North Korea in his speech blamed international sanctions, typhoons, and the coronavirus for preventing him from delivering on promises of economic progress.
"I am ashamed that I have never been able to repay you properly for your enormous trust. My efforts and devotion were not sufficient to bring our people out of difficult livelihoods," he said.
A video showed Kim making an appearance at the event at the strike of midnight on October 10, according to Daily Mail. Dressed in a grey suit and tie, he entered the stage surrounded by military officials. He waved at the crowds that were cheering him on and he then went ahead to accept flowers from children, pecking them on the cheek.
Kim spoke at the event for nearly half an hour, often shedding tears while he thanked the troops for their service and smiling and laughing as he watched the missiles being showcased. He appeared to be highly emotional while he expressed how grateful he was for the troops and acknowledged the sacrifice involved in responding to natural disasters and preventing the coronavirus outbreak.
He said he was appreciative of the fact that not a single North Korean had tested positive for the virus, a statement that has been questioned previously by South Korea and the United States. Not a single person at the parade appeared to be wearing a mask and Kim, at one point, said that he hoped for North and South Korea to join hands when the pandemic blows over.
The parade was highly choreographed. Thousands of troops marched in formation and on display were a number of new conventional military equipment including tanks and fighter jets launching flares and fireworks. Experts said that the new, larger ICBM is likely designed to carry multiple independent re-entry vehicles (MIRVs), allowing it to attack more targets and making interception more difficult.
The new ICBM is likely intended to dispel doubts about North Korea's ability to strike the continental United States and an implicit threat that they are preparing to test the larger missile, said Markus Garlauskas, a former US intelligence officer for North Korea. "If the Hwasong-15 could carry a 'super-large' nuclear warhead to anywhere in the US, then the natural question is what can this larger missile carry?" he said.