North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen a test of an upgraded solid-fuel engine designed for weapons capable of reaching the U.S. mainland, describing it as a major step forward in strengthening the country’s strategic military capabilities, state media reported Sunday.
According to the Korean Central News Agency, Kim observed a ground jet test of an engine built with composite carbon fiber material. The report said the engine produced a maximum thrust of 2,500 kilonewtons, up from around 1,970 kilonewtons recorded in a similar test in September. However, the agency did not specify the time or location of the test.
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The development aligns with Pyongyang’s goal of building more mobile and less detectable missiles targeting the U.S. and its allies. Solid-fuel missiles are easier to transport and conceal compared to liquid-fuel systems, which require fueling before launch.
KCNA said the test is part of a five-year weapons program aimed at upgrading “strategic strike means,” referring to nuclear-capable ballistic missiles. Kim called the test significant for elevating the country’s military strength.
Some experts, including Lee Choon Geun, questioned the claim, noting missing technical details such as combustion time, suggesting possible exaggeration. Analysts say North Korea still faces challenges in developing reliable ICBMs, despite years of testing and claims of progress.