The parade, held on Friday in the capital, Pyongyang, showcased some of North Korea’s most advanced military equipment, including long-range cruise missiles and drone launch vehicles. However, what surprised many was the Hwasong-20 ICBM, described as “the most powerful military weapon for carrying nuclear warheads.”

The Hwasong-20 missile was mounted on a massive 11-axle truck during its first public appearance at the event. The missile is seen as evidence of North Korea’s significant progress in developing sophisticated weapons.

The Hwasong missile series has given North Korea the capability to carry out long-range attacks, though concerns remain about the level of technology used in its guidance system.

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Experts believe the Hwasong-20 may have been designed to carry multiple nuclear warheads simultaneously  a development that Kim continues to urge his military to pursue in order to strengthen the country’s ability to confront its enemies.

After the parade marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party, Kim reaffirmed that North Korea is “a faithful member of the socialist forces” and “a pillar of independence” against Western powers seeking global domination, according to KCNA.

Among the foreign dignitaries present in Pyongyang for the event was Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council and a close ally of President Vladimir Putin.

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During his meeting with Kim, Medvedev expressed gratitude to North Korea for its support of Russia’s military operations in Ukraine, according to Russian state media reports on Friday.

In response, Kim Jong Un told Medvedev that he wishes to continue strengthening cooperation with Russia and to work closely through various forms of partnership to pursue shared goals and objectives, KCNA reported.