Pyongyang displays Hwasong-20 missile capable of reaching the US and conducts new tests

North Korea presented a new intercontinental ballistic missile, which, according to state media, has a range capable of striking US territory, while simultaneously conducting a series of tactical weapons tests. These events are taking place against the backdrop of statements by US President Donald Trump regarding a possible meeting with the North Korean leader.

Presentation of strategic weapons in a new museum

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, accompanied by his wife Ri Sol-ju and daughter Ju Ae, attended the opening ceremony of the Museum of the Defence Revolution. The central exhibit of the event was the Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile. The state news agency KCNA reported that this weapon is capable of reaching US territory.

Shin Chong-woo, Secretary-General of the Korea Forum on Defence and Security, drew attention to details of the exhibit located near the launch pad. In his assessment, the missile's design may indicate that it is equipped with multiple warheads. A world map was placed next to the display sample, marking the claimed flight range. According to this map, the strike radius covers not only the continental United States but also the Middle East, Australia, and South America.

Symbolism of the permanent exhibition

Analysts believe that the opening of this museum is part of a broader campaign by Kim Jong Un aimed at cementing the regime's military achievements. Lim Eul-chul, a professor at the Institute of Far Eastern Studies at Kyungnam University, noted that the transition from temporary exhibitions to a permanent display carries deep symbolic significance. In his view, this allows the North Korean authorities to position the development of nuclear and missile capabilities as a long-term legacy of Kim's rule.

Further missile launches

In addition to the weapons display in the museum, North Korea reported conducting a test launch of a tactical ballistic missile on 12 October. According to the report, these tests were intended to confirm the successful technical improvement of one of the missile's key components.

South Korean military forces also recorded that on the same day, North Korea launched several ballistic missiles towards the sea off its eastern coast. According to South Korean military information, this was North Korea's fourth missile launch during the current month.