The move came amid growing tensions on the Korean Peninsula over North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. There is speculation that it may carry out its sixth nuclear test or launch an intercontinental ballistic missile.

At the military parade Saturday, North Korea unveiled what appeared to be three types of ICBMs in a show of force, vowing to respond with nuclear attacks to Washington's possible pre-emptive strike.

During the performance, North Korea also unveiled a song about the country's artillery unit in charge of ballistic missile launches.

The song extolling missile launches carried out by the Hwasong artillery units of the Strategic Force under the Korean People's Army was released.

Footage of an intermediate-range Musudan ballistic missile, called Hwasong-1 in North Korea, being launched was shown on the screen at the hall, according to the TV broadcaster.

The lyrics for the song include "Our proud Hwasong rocket blasts off" and "It flies as quickly as a flash of lightning to challenge imperialism."

North Korea skipped provocative acts on the founder's birthday, but there is still the possibility of a nuclear or missile test around the 85th anniversary of the KPA's founding which falls on April 25.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said in his New Year's message that the country has entered the final stage of preparing to launch an ICBM capable of hitting the US mainland. (Yonhap)