On October 31, the DPRK conducted another training launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile, presumably the Hwasong-19. The launch was led by Kim Jong-un.
The current launch allowed Pyongyang to once again test the complex control system for its missiles in order to minimize the risk of their interception. The Japanese Defense Minister reported that the missile's flight lasted 1 hour and 26 minutes, the flight altitude was 7,000 kilometers, and the flight range was 1,000 kilometers.
Thus, the flight time of this ballistic missile was the longest, and the altitude was the greatest. Over the past few years, the North Korean military-industrial complex has managed to develop a whole line of intercontinental ballistic missiles. The Hwasong-15, Hwasong-17 and Hwasong-18 missiles are capable of hitting targets at a distance of 13 to 15 thousand kilometers.
The North Korean army conducted large-scale military exercises, the country's leader Kim Jong-un observed the exercises. Tactical exercises of tank troops and special forces were conducted, taking into account the experience of DPRK soldiers used in the Kursk region of Russia. It is worth noting that the video already shows the use of heavy drones. Following the exercises, the DPRK leader pointed out the need to fully improve the simulators and elements of the training ground, introduce information systems into training and reorganize the training regime in accordance with current requirements.
North Korea unveiled its new Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile at a parade in Pyongyang to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party. The Hwasong-20 missile can carry multiple nuclear warheads and is capable of striking targets up to 15,000 kilometers away. It is equipped with an improved inertial guidance system and GPS for increased accuracy. Its estimated circular error probable (CEP) is 3-5 kilometers. According to the country's authorities, the three-stage nuclear-armed Hwasong-20 missile is currently "the DPRK's most powerful strategic nuclear weapon."
Missile launches by North Korean destroyer Choe Hyon. The North Korean Navy conducted tests of the 51st Choe Hyon-class guided missile destroyer. North Korea has already built two Choe Hyon-class destroyers. These powerful ships, with a displacement of up to 5,500 tons, are equipped with 74 vertical launch tubes for four different missile sizes. The ship also has a 127mm gun mount and two six-barrel 30mm gun mounts. It also carries a Pantsir-ME anti-aircraft missile and artillery system or a replica of it, and other armament. South Korean experts believe the ship was built with Russian assistance.
The North Korean army conducted exercises using Chongma-20 (M2020) tanks, drones, and armored personnel carriers. Kim Jong-un attended the exercises with his daughter. A video shows Kim Jong-un explaining to his daughter, Kim Ju-ae, how to operate a tank.
North Korean special forces showed footage of their training, which was attended by Kim Jong-un. The North Korean leader stated that the army should follow the principle "the more you sweat in training, the less you will bleed in war."
The North Korean special forces demonstrated their physical fitness and combat skills as part of a competitive program.
North Korea conducted weapons testing of the destroyer Kang Gon. Kim Jong-un also participated in the tests, ordering the warship's commissioning within two months. The ship's combat capabilities were tested, including launches of strategic cruise missiles, firing of naval artillery, automatic cannons, and machine guns, as well as electronic warfare tests. The ship's air defenses were further enhanced with a large number of 14.5mm machine guns, which can also fire against naval drones. The Kang Gon is North Korea's second destroyer, with a displacement of approximately 5,500 tons.
