Pyongyang Hosts 'Defense Development-2025' Exhibition
Pyongyang, Democratic People's Republic of Korea – North Korea inaugurated its annual 'Defense Development-2025' exhibition on October 4, 2025, marking the third consecutive year the event has been held. The exhibition served as a platform for the country to display its latest military advancements and for leader Kim Jong Un to deliver a stern address regarding the nation's defense posture and regional security.
During his speech, Kim Jong Un announced that North Korea would develop 'additional military measures' and had allocated 'special assets' to 'key targets of interest' on the Korean Peninsula. He directly threatened South Korea, questioning whether its territory could 'ever be considered a safe place.' Kim accused the United States and South Korea of intensifying military activities and conducting various drills based on 'nuclear operation scenarios,' which he characterized as posing 'a real and serious threat' to the region. He emphasized the necessity for continuous improvement of North Korea's military capabilities, with nuclear deterrence forming its backbone.
New Weapons Systems Unveiled
The exhibition showcased a range of new and advanced weapon systems, highlighting North Korea's ongoing efforts to modernize its military. Among the prominent displays were:
- The Hwasong-11Ma (also known as Hwasong-11E), a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) variant of the KN-23, believed to be equipped with a hypersonic warhead. This missile is estimated to fly at low altitudes at speeds exceeding Mach 5, capable of evading air defense networks.
- Newly unveiled supersonic cruise missiles, which reportedly bear a resemblance to Russia's 3M-54E cruise missile, suggesting potential technical collaboration.
- Intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) Hwasong-18 and Hwasong-19.
- Anti-submarine missiles.
- A new generation of military technologies, including weapons systems with integrated artificial intelligence and a previously unseen tracked air defense platform, conceptually similar to Russia's Pantsir system.
Context of Heightened Tensions
Kim Jong Un's remarks and the display of new weaponry come amid escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea views the buildup of U.S. military forces in South Korea and joint military exercises between the U.S., South Korea, and Japan as provocative. The North Korean leader stated that 'In direct proportion to the buildup of US forces in Korea, our strategic interest in the region has also increased, and we have accordingly allocated special assets to key targets of interest.' The event also precedes the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party of Korea, an occasion often marked by significant military demonstrations.
9 Comments
paracelsus
A strong military ensures peace. This exhibition sends a clear message to their enemies.
anubis
The article highlights North Korea's perception of US military buildup as a provocation, which is a key part of their narrative. Yet, their response of unveiling new offensive weapons and issuing explicit threats only serves to justify further defensive measures from their neighbors, locking everyone into a dangerous arms race.
eliphas
Kim Jong Un is just responding to endless US provocations. Self-defense is not aggression.
anubis
Kim Jong Un is playing a dangerous game. This will only lead to more tension and potential conflict.
eliphas
Hypersonic missiles? This is a direct threat to global security, not just the peninsula.
Loubianka
While North Korea certainly feels threatened by joint US-SK drills, their direct threats to South Korea's safety are unacceptable and only escalate an already volatile situation. Diplomacy, not intimidation, is the only path forward.
KittyKat
Absolutely terrifying. This aggressive posturing only destabilizes the entire region.
BuggaBoom
While North Korea's development of advanced weaponry like hypersonic missiles is a serious concern for international security, it's also a direct consequence of the ongoing geopolitical standoff and perceived threats. Both sides contribute to this dangerous cycle, and a more comprehensive diplomatic approach is desperately needed.
eliphas
It's undeniable that North Korea is making significant technological strides in its military, which is concerning for regional stability. However, ignoring their stated security grievances, however flimsy, won't help de-escalate tensions either.