• North Korea reveals its new Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile during an 80th-anniversary military parade.
• The parade saw high-profile foreign leaders, including China's Premier and Russia's former president, in attendance.
• Kim Jong Un emphasized the need for military strength and praised North Korean troops fighting alongside Russia.
• The Hwasong-20 is touted as the "most powerful nuclear strategic weapon" in North Korea's arsenal.
• Concerns remain about the missile's guidance system and warhead re-entry capabilities.

North Korea has showcased its most advanced military hardware, including the new Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), at a large military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party. The event, which took place amid international scrutiny, was attended by foreign dignitaries such as Chinese Premier Li Qiang and former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, highlighting Kim Jong Un's growing diplomatic stature, according to Reuters and South China Morning Post.

The parade displayed the Hwasong-20, described as North Korea’s "most powerful nuclear strategic weapon system," capable of reaching targets throughout the continental United States. Kim's speech reinforced the importance of military might while he articulated hopes for enhanced collaboration with Russia, emphasizing the military’s role in achieving national goals, according to Channel News Asia, TRT Global, and Al Jazeera.

Keen to demonstrate its military capabilities, North Korea featured not only the Hwasong-20 but also various missiles including shorter-range ballistic and cruise missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Analysts noted indications that the missile could soon be test-fired, indicating North Korea's determination to advance its strategic military capabilities despite prevailing international sanctions, according to India Times and CBS News.

Kim Jong Un expressed pride in the participation of North Korean soldiers in the Russian military efforts in Ukraine, describing their actions as "heroic." This narrative served both domestic propaganda and a message of solidarity to Russia. Medvedev praised the sacrifices made by North Korean troops, indicative of the deepening relationship between the two countries, according to Reuters and Al Jazeera.