Kim Jong-un held a nighttime parade in North Korea to flex his nuclear missile muscle
State media in North Korea reports that Leader Kim Jong Un attended with his daughter. Photo: dailyO
North Korea's fondness for its missiles and intercontinental weaponry is not new and quite recently, the country's leader Kim Jong-un has flaunted them all over again. On February 8, North Korea displayed its missiles in front of its citizens and the world during a military parade. This parade was held to mark the 75th founding anniversary of North Korea's army, at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea.
What happened at the event?
- State media in North Korea reports that Leader Kim Jong-un attended the parade with his daughter, who, experts say, is being prepared for a potential future leadership role in the country's hereditary rule.
- 11 Intercontinental Ballistics Missiles, Hwasong-17s, were shown. The Hwasong-17s are North Korea's biggest intercontinental ballistic missiles and are thought to have the range to deliver a nuclear weapon almost anywhere in the world.
After weeks of planning involving several troops and people mobilised to promote Kim's authority and his unrelenting pursuit of securing his nation's status as a nuclear power, the massive display of military weaponry finally took place.
Previous parades: The last four military parades in North Korea have taken place after dark, and state media didn't cover them until the following day.
These parades are frequently used to display new weaponry, including ballistic missiles built to carry nuclear warheads, and are generally staged at Pyongyang's Kim Il Sung Square.
Foreign governments and experts generally keep a close eye on North Korean military parades because they frequently display newly developed weaponry that Jong-un plans to test or use.
As per experts, this time, Kim Jong-un wants to send the message that North Korea is expanding its tactical and long-range missile forces and deterring other nations.
According to Al Jazeera, before the parade began, several waves of what appeared to be illuminated jets, turboprop aircraft and helicopters could be seen flying low in formation over the capital towards Kim Il Sung Square.
However, critics called out the parade, saying it was unnecessary given that it was occurring in the midst of an economic crisis in North Korea.