North Korea unveils 'most powerful' ballistic missile

North Korea has unveiled its latest and most powerful intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the Hwasong-20, which it claims can reach anywhere in the United States.

The missile was displayed for the first time at a massive military parade in the capital Pyongyang on Friday (October 10). The event was held to mark the 80th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party, and was attended by the country's supreme leader Kim Jong Un.

The parade showcased North Korea's advanced weapons, including long-range cruise missiles, drones and launch vehicles, state news agency KCNA said. But the most eye-catching was the Hwasong-20 ICBM mounted on an 11-axle launcher truck, which has been described as the country's "most powerful nuclear tactical weapon system".

A few weeks ago, North Korea announced the test of a new solid-fuel rocket engine. KCNA said the engine, made of carbon fiber, is capable of producing up to 1,971 kilonewtons of thrust—making it North Korea’s most powerful rocket engine to date.

“The Hwasong-20 is a symbol of North Korea’s ambitions for long-range nuclear capability. It could be test-fired by the end of this year,” said Ankit Panda, an analyst at the U.S.-based think tank Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Experts believe the Hwasong-20 is capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads—which would help it penetrate enemy defenses. It could pose a major challenge to the existing U.S. missile defense network.

“This missile can render the U.S. defense system ineffective and, in Kim Jong Un’s view, it will be an effective deterrent against Washington,” Panda added.

In a speech after the parade, Kim Jong Un said, “Today we are a powerful nation that cannot be stopped by any obstacle. North Korea is now a loyal member of the socialist power and a bulwark of freedom against Western domination.”

The ceremony was also attended by various foreign dignitaries, including Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of the Russian Security Council and a close ally of President Vladimir Putin.

Source: Al Jazeera