Showcasing its 'monster' missile: What message is North Korea sending to the US?

During a military parade held yesterday to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party of North Korea, the country's military showcased a brand-new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) model, which analysts say is "the largest ever built."

Taking place less than a month before the US presidential election (November 3), the message North Korea wants to send is clear: "The country will not give up strengthening its defense and deterrence capabilities, despite warnings and sanctions."

North Korea's transporter-erector-launcher (TEL) for its new ICBM has 11 axles and 22 wheels, making it longer than even the largest nuclear missile, the Hwasong-15. Photo: KCTV

The parade took place at around 1 a.m. on October 10, a time considered unusual for a parade in North Korea, and was not broadcast on television until later that night.

Images broadcast by North Korean state television channel KCTV showed armed units and military vehicles lined up on the streets of Pyongyang, ready to march toward Kim Il-sung Square. The final segment showcased North Korea's new missile model, featuring a transporter-erector-launcher (TEL) with 11 axles and 22 wheels.

NK News suggests this could be the largest land-based mobile intercontinental ballistic missile ever built. This new missile is believed to be an evolution of North Korea's largest nuclear-capable missile, the Hwasong-15. The longer design likely aims at two objectives: increasing the missile's range and the ability to carry more warheads. According to leader Kim Jong Un, North Korea will continue to strengthen its military forces for defensive and deterrent purposes.

"We will continue to strengthen the military's deterrence and defense capabilities to control and manage all dangerous plots and threats, including the growing nuclear threats, from hostile forces."

One of North Korea's missile types. (Archive photo)

Unlike previous parades, this one did not include foreign media. In late December last year, the North Korean leader announced he would unveil a “new strategic weapon,” but some experts believe Pyongyang did not intend to “provoke” the White House ahead of the US presidential election.

According to Rachel Lee, a North Korea expert who previously worked for the U.S. government, this is evident in the North Korean leader's decision to showcase these new strategic weapons in a military parade rather than a test launch. However, the choice of broadcasting the parade at night, when Americans are just waking up, demonstrates North Korea's careful calculation.

The military parade in Kim Il-sung Square took place amidst nuclear negotiations.US-North KoreaThe situation has been deadlocked for almost a year, following the last meeting between the two leaders in the inter-Korean demilitarized zone (DMZ).

Analysts predict that Kim Jong Un may take some steps during the presidential election period in early November, but nothing too drastic. This is partly because the US is more focused on domestic issues. This is also why many analysts believe that the message the North Korean leader wanted to send during yesterday's military parade was largely directed at his people, highlighting the Party's achievements, the unity around the leader, and the improvement of the economy.