North Korea shows off ‘monster’ new ICBM missiles at military parade

Giant new intercontinental ballistic missiles were rolled out at a military parade to mark the 75th anniversary of the Workers’ Party

In a speech, Kim Jong-un urged people to remain firm in the face of challenges including Covid-19 and US-led sanctions

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A military parade with what appears to be possible new ICBM missile. Photo: KRT via AP

Published: 2:46pm, 10 Oct 2020Updated: 7:04pm, 12 Oct 2020

North Korea on Saturday unveiled previously unseen intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) at an unprecedented predawn military parade that showcased the country’s long-range weapons for the first time in two years.

In a speech to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers’ Party, leader Kim Jong-un warned that his country would “fully mobilise” its nuclear force if threatened, as he took centre stage at the event broadcast on state television.

Kim, however, avoided direct criticism of Washington during the event, which took place less than four weeks before the US presidential election. Instead, he focused on a domestic message urging his people to remain firm in face of “tremendous challenges” posed by the coronavirus pandemic and crippling US-led sanctions over his nuclear programme.

A military parade marking the 75th anniversary of the Workers' Party of Korea. Photo: AFP

Analysts said the missile, which was shown on a transporter vehicle with 11 axles, would be one of the largest road-mobile ICBMs in the world if it becomes operational.

Ankit Panda, of the Federation of American Scientists, tweeted that it was the “largest road-mobile liquid-fuelled missile anywhere”.

“This missile is a monster,” said Melissa Hanham, deputy director of the Open Nuclear Network.