North Korean leader Kim Jong-un oversaw a trial of a high-thrust, solid-fuel engine, praising it as a development to enhance the nation’s strategic military capacity, as per state media reports on Sunday. The test suggests Kim’s determination to expand and modernize a missile arsenal capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) released the report on Sunday, shortly after Kim’s address at North Korea’s parliament where he vowed to solidify his country’s nuclear power status and criticized the U.S. for global “state terrorism and aggression,” likely referring to conflicts in the Middle East.
According to KCNA, Kim witnessed the ground jet test of the upgraded engine that utilizes a composite carbon fiber material. The engine now boasts a maximum thrust of 2,500 kilotons, an increase from the previous test in September which reported about 1,971 kilotons. Analysts believe the effort to enhance engine power is linked to the goal of equipping missiles with multiple warheads to improve the chances of overcoming U.S. defenses.
The specific details of when and where the test took place were not disclosed by KCNA. The test aligns with the country’s five-year military enhancement plan that focuses on upgrading “strategic strike means,” aiming towards nuclear-capable, intercontinental ballistic missiles aimed at the U.S. mainland.
Kim emphasized the significance of the recent engine test in strengthening the nation’s strategic military capabilities, as reported by KCNA. North Korea has conducted various tests of intercontinental ballistic missiles in recent years, showcasing the potential to reach the U.S. mainland with solid propellant missiles that make pre-launch detection more challenging compared to older liquid-fuel missiles.
While some international experts point out technological challenges for North Korea in developing a fully functional ICBM, such as ensuring warhead survival during atmospheric reentry, others argue that the country’s extensive investment in nuclear and missile programs over the years may have addressed these obstacles.
Following the breakdown of diplomatic efforts with former U.S. President Donald Trump in 2019, North Korea has intensified efforts to expand its nuclear arsenal. Despite leaving room for potential dialogue with Trump, Kim urged the U.S. to reconsider its demands for North Korea’s nuclear disarmament as a prerequisite for negotiations.
