Jakarta, ThedailyID — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has visited a newly opened defense museum displaying an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that Pyongyang claims can reach the United States mainland.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim attended the opening of the Defense Revolution Museum on Sunday, October 11. Authorities have not disclosed the museum’s location.
Photos released by KCNA showed Kim accompanied by his wife and daughter, Kim Ju Ae. The museum displays weapons developed under Kim’s leadership, ranging from drones to the Hwasong-20 ICBM.
Shin Jong Woo, secretary-general of the Korea Defense and Security Forum, said images of the Hwasong-20 launcher appeared to show a design featuring multiple warheads and a world map. These details suggest the missile could have an extensive range.
According to Shin, the missile may be capable of reaching the US mainland, the Middle East, and Australia. However, the available report does not independently verify these range claims.
“The exhibition appears intended to highlight the achievements of Kim’s defense science development program,” Shin said, according to Reuters.
He added that the display also appeared to serve a propaganda purpose. In particular, it could help North Korea strengthen its strategic position ahead of a potential summit between Pyongyang and Washington.
The exhibition comes as North Korea continues to showcase weapons developed under Kim’s leadership. By displaying the Hwasong-20 alongside other military equipment, the museum highlights Pyongyang’s claimed advances in defense technology.
