North Korea Military Parade

Overview

• North Korea held its first military parade since October on Thursday night.
• Featured elements:
  • Goose-stepping soldiers
  • Throngs of people waving flags and flowers
  • Processions of heavy arms

Key Highlight: Missiles

• Focus on missiles at the parade.
• Newest missile displayed: Pukuk Song 5
  • Part of the submarine-launched ballistic missile series.
  • Features:
    • Solid-fueled
    • Multi-stage
    • Launch capabilities from submarines and land.
  • Importance:
    • Brings North Korea closer to solid propellant ICBM capability.
    • Could potentially carry a nuclear warhead to the United States.

Solid Propellant Missiles

• Advantages over liquid-fueled ICBMs:
  • Easier to hide and deploy.
  • Can be launched more quickly.

Political Context

• Kim Jong-un did not speak at the parade.
• Followed a significant Workers' Party meeting - first in five years.
  • Purpose: To set up five-year policy plans.
  • Statements by Kim Jong-un:
    • U.S. remains North Korea's biggest enemy.
    • Plans to modernize missiles, delivery systems, and warheads.
    • Did not specifically mention President-elect Joe Biden.

Implications for the U.S. and Biden Administration

• Potential for North Korea to test new Pukong missiles soon.
  • Aim: Validate flight readiness.
  • Send a strategic message to Biden on addressing North Korea.

Additional Information

• For real-time updates and insights, subscribe to Bloomberg Quick Take.