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North Korea unveils record amount of missiles in military parade

2023-02-09T09:14:46.239Z


IN PICTURES – The event, intended to showcase the country's most advanced weapons, took place on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the North Korean army.


North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Wednesday (February 8th) oversaw a grand military parade in which a record number of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of carrying nuclear warheads were unveiled.

The event, intended to showcase the country's most advanced weaponry, took place in the center of the capital Pyongyang on Wednesday night at Kim Il Sung Square, North Korea's founder and grandfather of Kim Jong- A.

It marked the 75th anniversary of the founding of North Korea's military as Kim Jong-un looked on, accompanied by his wife Ri Sol Ju and daughter Ju Ae, KCNA photos show.

Other images showed him, flanked by his generals, inspecting and saluting the ranks of soldiers armed with bayonets, while troops and missiles paraded in the background.

Protect nuclear projectiles

According to Seoul-based NK News, at least ten of North Korea's largest intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), the Hwasong-17, plus vehicles apparently designed to carry solid-fuel ICBMs, were on display.

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Developing this type of ICBM is one of Pyongyang's main goals, as it could help make its nuclear projectiles harder to detect and destroy.

Equipped with nuclear weapons, North Korea organizes this type of event to mark important dates, such as public holidays.

KCNA/REUTERS

The ICBMs on display came out to applause from the audience, according to KCNA, adding that a "

tactical nuclear operation unit

" consisting of soldiers and other missiles also participated.

A challenge for the United States

Equipped with nuclear weapons, North Korea organizes this type of event to mark important dates, such as public holidays.

For observers, it is an opportunity to see at what stage of military progress is this reclusive country, targeted by sanctions prohibiting the development of its ballistic and nuclear programs.

Kim Jong-un presides over the military parade in Pyongyang on February 8, 2023. KCNA / REUTERS

The event showcased "

the country's strongest nuclear attack capability

", KCNA said.

Analysts have said that the amount and type of armaments unveiled during the parade show significant advances that could pose a challenge for the United States.

"

They showed more ICBMs in this parade than they had ever shown before, consistent with Kim Jong Un's directive to mass-produce nuclear weapons and launch systems

," he told Reuters. AFP expert Ankit Panda, based in the United States.

For him, this is a problem, because the national defense missile system established by Washington is intended to fight against a " limited

" North Korean threat

in the matter.

A North Korean missile, in Pyongyang, February 8, 2023. Kim Jong-un recently called on his country to "

exponentially

" increase its military arsenal.

KCNA/REUTERS

A North Korean armored vehicle during the Pyongyang military parade on February 8, 2023. KCNA / REUTERS

The North has "

now demonstrated that its nuclear forces are far from 'limited'

", he adds.

Other analysts say Pyongyang has sent a clear message by presenting so many Hwasong-17s, its most advanced ICBM.

"

North Korea is trying to declare itself as a complete nuclear power

," professor at Ehwa University in Seoul, Leif-Eric Easley, told AFP.

Estate of Kim Jong Un

Appearances by Kim Jong-un's daughter, long shielded from state media, have been increasing since the premiere in November on the occasion of the launch of an ICBM.

The ten-year-old girl was also present on Tuesday, February 7, at the banquet celebrating the anniversary of the founding of the army and during other important events.

Kim Jong-un accompanied by his daughter, Ju Ae, in Pyongyang, February 9, 2023. KCNA / REUTERS

Analysts say Kim Jong-un sees her as his successor.

According to Seoul's intelligence services, the North Korean leader has two other children.

His father, Kim Jong Il, also had several but chose to designate Kim Jong-un as his heir because he was the most like him.

Be ready in case of war

Wednesday's parade is the fourth night parade held in recent years by Pyongyang.

It comes after the regime said it wanted to broaden and intensify its military maneuvers to be ready in case of war.

In 2022, North Korea conducted a record number of weapons tests, including the first launch of its most developed intercontinental ballistic missile.

North Korean army troops parade, February 8, 2023. KCNA / REUTERS

Kim Jong-un recently called on his country to “

exponentially

” increase its military arsenal with the massive production of tactical nuclear weapons and the development of new nuclear response missiles.

SEE

ALSO

- North Korea will intensify its military exercises with a view to "preparing for war"

Source: lefigaro

All news articles on 2023-02-09

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