North Korea stages parade to burnish missile credentials
North Korea introduced a new SLBM on the 25 April parade, perhaps called the Pukguksong-6, but this is yet to be confirmed. (Photo: KCNA)
North Korea’s missile and rocket programme shows absolutely no signs of tiring, as evidenced by the latest military parade before assembled dignitaries.
Following on from parades in central Pyongyang on 10 October 2020 and 14 January 2021, the hermit kingdom of North Korea staged yet another spectacle in the capital city’s Kim Il Sung Square. The latest parade occurred on the night of 25 April.
Much of the same military hardware appeared in this latest parade, which marked the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People’s Army (KPA). However, highlights of this event were weapons such as the Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), Hwasong-8 hypersonic missile, new short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) and a new submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM).
The following weapons
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
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.
-
![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.
