N Korea shows off new ICBM at parade for party anniversary

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a massive military parade in Pyongyang late Friday, showcasing the country's latest weapons, including a new intercontinental ballistic missile, as part of celebrations for the 80th anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea.

State media KCNA reported the event Saturday, highlighting the debut of the Hwasong-20 ICBM, described as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's "most powerful nuclear strategic weapon system."

The parade, attended by foreign dignitaries including Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Russia's former President Dmitry Medvedev, and Vietnam's Communist Party chief To Lam, featured hypersonic ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, a new multiple rocket launcher, and suicide drone carriers, according to Korea Institute for National Unification analyst Hong Min.

Ankit Panda of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace said the Hwasong-20 represents North Korea's pinnacle in long-range nuclear delivery, potentially with multiple warheads to stress US missile defenses. "We should expect to see the system tested before year-end," he added.

Kim, flanked by Li and To Lam with Medvedev nearby, praised the troops' heroism in a speech, vowing to make the army "invincible" against threats.

Earlier Friday, Kim met Medvedev, who lauded North Korean soldiers' sacrifices in Russia's Ukraine campaign, calling for deeper ties. Kim expressed hope for continued Russia cooperation.

Vietnam and North Korea also signed cooperation agreements in defense, foreign affairs, and health, KCNA said without details.

The parade follows Thursday's festivities and underscores Kim's anti-West diplomacy, with the Hwasong series enabling strikes on the US mainland, though re-entry and guidance capabilities remain unproven.