SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a test of an upgraded, high-thrust solid-fuel engine for weapons development, state media reported Sunday. Kim hailed the test as a significant step toward bolstering the country’s strategic military capability.
Engine Test Details
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim observed a ground jet test of the engine, which utilized a composite carbon fiber material. The engine’s maximum thrust reached 2,500 kilotons, an increase from approximately 1,970 kilotons reported during a similar solid-fuel engine test in September.
The test is part of North Korea’s five-year arms build-up plan, aimed at upgrading its “strategic strike means”—a term referring to nuclear-capable ballistic missiles and other weapons.
Kim stated the latest engine test held “great significance in putting the country’s strategic military muscle on the highest level,” according to KCNA. The exact location and timing of the test were not disclosed.
Expert Assessment and Potential Implications
Some experts suggest North Korea’s claims regarding the engine’s capabilities may be exaggerated, as the report lacked key details like the engine’s total combustion time. Lee Choon Geun, an honorary research fellow at South Korea’s Science and Technology Policy Institute, noted this omission.
North Korea has been developing solid-fuel engines for intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). These engines are more difficult to detect before launch compared to older liquid-fuel missiles, which require fueling before liftoff.
A more powerful and efficient solid-fuel engine could enable North Korea to build smaller ICBMs deployable from submarines or mobile launch trucks, according to Lee. Others believe increasing engine power may be linked to efforts to equip missiles with multiple warheads to overcome U.S. Defense systems.
North Korea has intensified its nuclear arsenal expansion since diplomatic efforts with U.S. President Donald Trump stalled in 2019. While Kim has indicated openness to dialogue with Trump, he has insisted Washington abandon demands for North Korea’s nuclear disarmament as a precondition for talks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of engine was tested?
North Korea tested an upgraded, high-thrust solid-fuel engine for weapons, utilizing a composite carbon fiber material.
What was the reported thrust of the new engine?
The engine’s maximum thrust is reported to be 2,500 kilotons, up from approximately 1,970 kilotons in a similar test in September.
Has North Korea previously made claims about weapons tests that were questioned?
Yes, in 2024, North Korea claimed to have successfully tested a multiwarhead missile, but South Korea dismissed the claim as deception to cover up a failed launch.
Given these developments, what impact might North Korea’s continued weapons development have on regional and international security?
