North Korea shows off multiple ICBMs in parade
North Korea showed off four examples of a new ICBM, one presumed to be solid-fuelled, in its 8 February parade. (Photo: KCNA)
The biggest revelation in North Korea’s latest parade was the supposed existence of a new solid-fuelled ICBM.
The Korean People’s Army (KPA) put on yet another night-time gala parade in central Pyongyang on 8 February. The occasion was the 75th anniversary of the armed forces, and Kim Jong-un was the guest of honour, flanked by his daughter.
The highlight of this event was the sheer number of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), approximately 16 in all, including a brand-new type of solid-fuelled weapon.
There were at least 12 Hwasong-17 ICBMs in attendance, up from the four that appeared in a parade on 25 April 2022. These missiles are carried on an 11-axle transporter-erector-launcher (TEL).
It is expected
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![Orchestrating operational readiness across every defence domain]()
Orchestrating operational readiness across every defence domain
Are all systems ready for the next mission? Have upgrades been applied? Are all assets aligned to deploy together, on time and fully prepared? In modern defence operations, readiness is no longer measured platform by platform. It is measured by how well people, assets, data and decisions move together — across land, sea and air.
-
![Global tensions drive defence supply chain scrutiny]()
Global tensions drive defence supply chain scrutiny
Governments worldwide are scrambling to decouple defence supply chains from dependency upon strategic rivals, but countries could struggle to do it all themselves.
-
![How deepening AI usage can boost efficiency and maximise effects for forces]()
How deepening AI usage can boost efficiency and maximise effects for forces
Saab has outlined how it is using artificial intelligence to make training more like electronic gaming, while the UK’s Power Size Technologies is applying the same technology to better evaluate and design vehicle capability, moving AI-enabled innovation further upstream from the frontline.
-
![From systems integrator to multi-domain solutions provider (video)]()
From systems integrator to multi-domain solutions provider (video)
Philipp von Brandenstein, Head of Corporate Communications at Rheinmetall, explains how Eurosatory 2026 marked a new stage in the company's evolution.
-
![US Pentagon pushes for major reform of defence acquisition system]()
US Pentagon pushes for major reform of defence acquisition system
The US Department of Defense has requested new contracting authorities from Congress, using the Army's MV-75 Cheyenne programme to demonstrate how competition, digital engineering and closer industry collaboration could accelerate acquisitions.
-
![US speeds up B61-13 nuclear bomb production as programme moves further ahead of schedule]()
US speeds up B61-13 nuclear bomb production as programme moves further ahead of schedule
The US government plans to accelerate production even further after achieving key B61-13 milestones months ahead of schedule, as the programme advances amid growing US-China strategic competition.
