North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un takes his 'most beloved child' to meet missile experts, see images

Kim said the nuclear forces of the Republic should be fully prepared. He said the fundamental mission was deterrence. But then, he also suggested they may have a 'second mission deterrence,if the 'fundamental interests' of his country are violated.

Pyongyang has recently stepped up weapons tests and displays of military power after denuclearisation talks with the United States stalled. It could also be in response to a new conservative administration taking power in South Korea.

There are signs of new construction at North Korea's only known nuclear test site, US and South Korean officials claim. The site has been officially closed since 2018. It could suggest Pyongyang may be preparing to resume testing nuclear weapons.

Some experts in Seoul see this as indication that there could be change in Kim's nuclear doctrine to leave open the possibility of "nuclear first use. Others saw it as messaging for the incoming government in Seoul.

North Korea's largest known ICBM, the Hwasong-17, appeared at Kim's parade. The missile was unveiled in 2020 and first tested last month, but Seoul officials believe it exploded in mid-air.

North Korea is banned by United Nations Security Council resolutions from developing ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons. The US believes its nuclear and ballistic missile programs are a serious threat to international security.