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North Korea unveiled its largest number of nuclear missiles in its nighttime parade this week. Pyongyang has also hinted at a new weapon in development as the isolated nation continues its nuclear program despite sanctions.
North Korean state media outlet KCNA reported on Thursday that Pyongyang showcased the nation’s weapons, the largest-ever number of intercontinental ballistic missiles along with hinting at a new solid-fuel weapon. Images released by KCNA of the nighttime parade that took place on Wednesday showed up to 11 Hwasong-17s which is North Korea’s largest ICBM and is believed to be able to strike almost anywhere in the world with a nuclear warhead.
The Hwasong-17 was first tested last year and aside from the missiles, analysts said may be a prototype of a new solid-fuel ICBM in canister launchers. North Korea has sought to develop a solid-fuel ICBM as it could make its nuclear missiles harder to spot and destroy in the event of military conflict.
The parade was in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of its army, the Korean People’s Army. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was in attendance at the parade with his daughter, who is seen as likely to take on a leadership role in the future.
The parade was criticized by the South Korean foreign ministry, saying that Pyongyang is holding such an event when it is currently facing a worsening food and economic crisis. The ministry called on Pyongyang to stop “illegal and nuclear missile development and reckless nuclear threats” and return to the negotiating table for denuclearization talks.
Early this week, Kim called for a strengthened war readiness posture and expanded military drills, during a meeting of the central military commission of the ruling Worker’s Party. KCNA reported that the officials in attendance discussed “major military and political tasks” for the year as well as the “long-term issues concerning the orientation for army building.”
“Studied and discussed there were…the issue of constantly expanding and intensifying the operation and combat drills of the KPA to cope with the prevailing situation and more strictly perfecting the preparedness for war,” said KCNA.
