North Korea’s Military Parade Commemorates 70th Anniversary of Korean War Armistice
North Korea held a military parade in Pyongyang on Thursday to mark the 70th anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended the Korean War in 1953. Known as Victory Day in the country, the event was celebrated with great enthusiasm. Although it was unclear whether North Korean leader Kim Jong-un attended the parade, these ceremonies are typically used to display new weapons and boost internal unity.
Leading up to the parade, commercial satellite imagery revealed the mobilization of troops and equipment for rehearsals. There were also indications of a nighttime air show featuring combat aircraft and other assets. In honor of the significant anniversary, senior delegations from Beijing and Moscow were invited to attend. The Russian delegation, led by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, and the Chinese delegation, led by Li Hongzhong, a member of the Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party, arrived in Pyongyang earlier this week to participate in the commemorative events.
Prior to the parade, Kim accompanied Shoigu to an arms exhibition where various new weaponry was showcased, including an unmanned aircraft that resembled the U.S. surveillance aircraft Global Hawk. Additionally, talks on defense issues were held between the North Korean leader and his Russian and Chinese counterparts.
The military parade comes as the reclusive regime continues to intensify its weapons development programs and criticizes what it perceives as a hostile policy from the United States. Observers anticipate that the parade might feature intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles, as well as Hwasal-1 and Hwasal-2 strategic cruise missiles. There is also speculation that the event might showcase Haeil underwater nuclear attack drones and Hwasan-31 tactical nuclear warheads.
Under Kim’s leadership, North Korea has conducted 14 military parades, including the most recent one. In February, the country held a parade to commemorate the 75th founding anniversary of its armed forces, during which they unveiled the Hwasong-18 solid-fuel ICBM for the first time.
While the article aims to provide a balanced view of the topic, it is important to note that official information from North Korea can be limited and subject to scrutiny. The specifics of the parade and the weapons showcased will likely emerge in the coming days. Nonetheless, the event highlights North Korea’s commitment to its military capabilities and serves as a reminder of the unresolved tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
