North Korea Unveils New Hypersonic Weapons at Party Anniversary
North Korea showcased its latest military advancements during a military parade on Friday night, marking the 80th anniversary of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea. The event featured the unveiling of the Hwasong-11Ma hypersonic glide vehicle and the Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), both of which were highlighted by state media as pivotal elements of the nation’s nuclear capabilities.
The parade took place in Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, where images and videos released by attendees revealed a display of North Korea’s military might. The Hwasong-11Ma, described as North Korea’s “most powerful nuclear strategic weapons system,” was among the prominent armaments showcased. While state media provided written accounts of the parade the following morning, further visual documentation was anticipated later in the day.
This celebration follows a significant diplomatic achievement for leader Kim Jong Un, who recently attended a large military parade in Beijing. There, he shared the stage with global leaders, including Xi Jinping of China and Vladimir Putin of Russia. The visit enhanced North Korea’s strategic ties with China, a critical ally, and revitalized Kim’s commitment to advancing his country’s missile and nuclear programs.
Since returning from Beijing, North Korean state media has reported on various new and enhanced weapons systems. The Hwasong-11Ma, which features a maneuverable hypersonic warhead, was first displayed at a military exposition a week ago. This weapon is part of a series of short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) modeled after Russia’s Iskander missile, widely used in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The Hwasong-11Ma is equipped with a boost glide vehicle that allows it to change course erratically while traveling at speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound. North Korea has been developing hypersonic glide vehicles since at least September 2021. A test conducted in January 2024 utilized a solid-fueled booster rocket, a departure from earlier liquid-fueled versions. Solid-fueled rockets can be deployed more rapidly, complicating defense efforts against them.
Analysts suggest that North Korea may have drawn lessons from Russia’s experiences with its air-launched Kinzhal missile in Ukraine, although skepticism surrounds Russian assertions regarding the Kinzhal’s effectiveness, according to an August report from the U.S. Congressional Research Service.
The military parade also marked the first public appearance of the nuclear-capable Hwasong-20. Observers noted that what was showcased might only have been a container believed to house the missile, positioned atop a multi-axle transporter-launch vehicle. North Korea has not yet conducted flight tests of the Hwasong-20, although earlier this year, it announced successful testing of a new high-thrust rocket engine intended for the missile.
According to North Korean state media, this engine, constructed from carbon fiber composite materials, has undergone nine ground tests. The same engine is expected to be utilized for the Hwasong-19 ICBM, which has already been flight-tested and is believed to have the capability to reach targets anywhere in the United States.
Amidst the focus on new weaponry, the parade also featured North Korean troops who participated in operations in Ukraine, where they reportedly assisted in repelling Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region of Russia earlier this year. Notably, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy chairman of Russia’s National Security Council, attended the event, emphasizing the strengthening ties between North Korea and Russia.
As North Korea continues to develop its missile technology, international observers remain vigilant, monitoring the implications of these advancements for regional and global security.
