In a large military parade held in Pyongyang’s Kim Il Sung Square on Friday, North Korea displayed two of its most advanced strategic weapons to date—the Hwasong-11Ma hypersonic missile and the Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The display marked the 80th anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, with state media hailing the weapons as the nation’s “most powerful nuclear weapons.”

What are the features of these missiles?

The newly shown Hwasong-11Ma is designed to fly at hypersonic speed, more than five times the speed of sound, and can change direction during flight, making it very difficult for defence systems to stop.

CNN reported that North Korea has used he new 11Ma model with a warhead carried in a boost glide vehicle system, meaning it can move unpredictably towards its target. It also uses solid fuel, which allows for faster launch and easier transport than older liquid-fuel rockets.

Hwasong-20, North Korea's newest ICBM, which is believed to be capable of carrying nuclear warheads and reaching targets as far as the United States, CNN reported, citing KCNA.

Earlier this year, North Korea said it had completed final testing of a new high-powered rocket engine made from carbon-fibre materials for the Hwasong-20. The same engine is also expected to be used for the Hwasong-19, another long-range missile that experts believe can reach anywhere in the US.

Why does this military parade matter?

The event, North Korea's first large-scale military parade in two years, served as a powerful showcase of the regime’s growing nuclear and missile capabilities. It also came just a month after leader Kim Jong Un appeared at a military parade in Beijing alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, signalling deepening ties between the three nations.

During Friday’s celebration, which featured marching soldiers, missile launchers, and cheering crowds illuminated by bright lights, Kim Jong Un called for the continued development of an “invincible” military force. “Our army should continue to grow... by dint of its political, ideological, military and technical superiority,” he said, according to Yonhap News.

Friday's parade was attended by senior North Korean officials and possibly guests from China, Russia, and Vietnam.