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Axis of Evil Returns: Kim Challenges US With Hwasong-20 ICBMs and Russian Flag In Mass Military Show

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Min Ju Yoo
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 [The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of North Korea\'s Workers\' Party, reported on October 11 that a grand military parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of the party\'s founding was held the previous day, at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang. The new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the Hwasong-20, was unveiled for the first time that day / Rodong Sinmun]
 [The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of North Korea’s Workers’ Party, reported on October 11 that a grand military parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of the party’s founding was held the previous day, at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang. The new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the Hwasong-20, was unveiled for the first time that day / Rodong Sinmun]

In an unprecedented move, the Russian flag was prominently displayed at North Korea’s Workers’ Party 80th anniversary military parade. A contingent marching with both North Korean and Russian flags is believed to be a special forces unit that was deployed to Russia last year, marking the first appearance of overseas-deployed troops in a North Korean parade.

The party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported on October 11 that the grand celebration for the party’s 80th anniversary took place the previous day at Kim Il Sung Square. The parade kicked off with Defense Minister No Kwang-chol leading the various units.

Among the marching columns, a unit carrying both Russian and North Korean flags was featured in the newspaper’s photos. At the forefront was Ri Chang-ho, director of the Reconnaissance General Bureau, who is known to have commanded North Korean troops sent to Russia last year.

 [The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of North Korea\'s Workers\' Party, reported on October 11 that a grand military parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of the party\'s founding was held the previous day, at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang. The new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the Hwasong-20, was unveiled for the first time that day / Rodong Sinmun]
 [The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of North Korea’s Workers’ Party, reported on October 11 that a grand military parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of the party’s founding was held the previous day, at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang. The new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the Hwasong-20, was unveiled for the first time that day / Rodong Sinmun]
 [The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of North Korea\'s Workers\' Party, reported on October 11 that a grand military parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of the party\'s founding was held the previous day, at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang. The new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the Hwasong-20, was unveiled for the first time that day / Rodong Sinmun]
 [The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of North Korea’s Workers’ Party, reported on October 11 that a grand military parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of the party’s founding was held the previous day, at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang. The new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the Hwasong-20, was unveiled for the first time that day / Rodong Sinmun]

Other special forces members stood out with their distinctive combat gear. Images captured troops marching in full camouflage face paint and ghillie suits, while others donned helmets equipped with tactical lights.

The parade’s centerpiece was the impressive display of heavy weaponry rolling into the square. The new Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which had been highly anticipated, dominated the procession. According to the newspaper, the crowd erupted in cheers as the Hwasong-20 unit passed by.

The newspaper also highlighted the participation of the Chonma-20, described as a modern main battle tank boasting formidable offensive capabilities and a robust defense system. This marks the first public reveal of the Chonma-20, presumed to be North Korea’s latest tank model. Additionally, the 155mm (about 6 inches) howitzer, symbolizing the modernization of mechanized and artillery forces, made an appearance.

 [The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of North Korea\'s Workers\' Party, reported on October 11 that a grand military parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of the party\'s founding was held the previous day at Kim Il Sung Square. The new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the Hwasong-20, was unveiled for the first time that day / Rodong Sinmun]
 [The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of North Korea’s Workers’ Party, reported on October 11 that a grand military parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of the party’s founding was held the previous day at Kim Il Sung Square. The new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the Hwasong-20, was unveiled for the first time that day / Rodong Sinmun]
 [The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of North Korea\'s Workers\' Party, reported on the 11th that a grand military parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of the party\'s founding was held the previous day at Kim Il-sung Square. The photo shows North Korea\'s hypersonic missile / Rodong Sinmun]
 [The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of North Korea’s Workers’ Party, reported on the 11th that a grand military parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of the party’s founding was held the previous day at Kim Il-sung Square. The photo shows North Korea’s hypersonic missile / Rodong Sinmun]

The parade showcased a wide array of new weaponry, including the 600mm (about 24 inches) multiple rocket launcher system designed for potential use against South Korea, hypersonic glide vehicles, and hypersonic medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBMs). The Hwasong-11 hypersonic short-range ballistic missile (SRBM), first confirmed at a weapons exhibition earlier this month, was also spotted.

Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un maintained a cheerful demeanor throughout the event, engaging with high-ranking foreign dignitaries. He occupied the central position on the viewing platform overlooking the parade, flanked by Chinese Premier Li Qiang on his right and the General Secretary of Vietnam as well as Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council, on his left.

 [The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of North Korea\'s Workers\' Party, reported on October 11 that a grand military parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of the party\'s founding was held the previous day at Kim Il Sung Square. The new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the Hwasong-20, was unveiled for the first time that day / Rodong Sinmun]
 [The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of North Korea’s Workers’ Party, reported on October 11 that a grand military parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of the party’s founding was held the previous day at Kim Il Sung Square. The new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the Hwasong-20, was unveiled for the first time that day / Rodong Sinmun]
 [The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of North Korea\'s Workers\' Party, reported on October 11 that Kim Jong Un, the party\'s general secretary, met with Dmitry Medvedev, Russia\'s Deputy Chairman of the Security Council and Chairman of the United Russia party, in Pyongyang on the previous day, on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers\' Party, to discuss future plans for developing the alliance relationship / Rodong Sinmun]
 [The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of North Korea’s Workers’ Party, reported on October 11 that Kim Jong Un, the party’s general secretary, met with Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s Deputy Chairman of the Security Council and Chairman of the United Russia party, in Pyongyang on the previous day, on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party, to discuss future plans for developing the alliance relationship / Rodong Sinmun]

Kim was frequently observed making direct eye contact, shaking hands, and embracing the invited foreign guests. This display of physical affection appears calculated to emphasize close ties with the visiting officials.

While Kim’s speech at the parade refrained from direct threats against the U.S. and South Korea, the showcase of strategic weapons capable of striking the U.S. mainland was widely interpreted as a demonstration of North Korea’s nuclear capabilities. By unveiling various nuclear strategic weapons in the presence of top officials from China, Russia, and Vietnam, North Korea sought to reaffirm its self-proclaimed status as a nuclear power.

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