North Korea displayed its military might on Tuesday, holding its largest ever parade and showcasing a range of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). The country’s military marked its 75th anniversary by rolling out between 10 to 12 Hwasong 17 ICBMs, which South Korean defense officials claim are the North’s newest and most sophisticated missiles.
This display of power has raised concerns that North Korea’s current supply of ICBMs could be enough to overwhelm US defense systems. According to Politico, if these weapons can accommodate four warheads, it’s possible that Pyongyang could fire more warheads at the U.S. than America can intercept. The U.S. currently has only 44 ground-based interceptors on its West Coast to defend against incoming missiles.
The threat of a North Korean attack became a reality last November. The country had successfully demonstrated its potential to strike deep into the US mainland. Despite widespread condemnation of the test, North Korea ended the year with a new record for the number of missile tests.
In addition to the military display, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was pictured at the parade with his daughter, Kim Ju-ae. This rare sight has added to speculation that she may be the one to carry on the Kim family dynasty.