North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed the ground test of an upgraded solid-fuel engine for weapons capable of reaching the U.S. mainland, state media reported Sunday. The official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) stated that the engine's maximum thrust is 2,500 kilonewtons, up from about 1,970 kilonewtons reported in a similar test last September.
Key Takeaways
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a test of a high-thrust solid-fuel engine capable of reaching the U.S. mainland, state media reported. The engine, with a maximum thrust of 2,500 kilonewtons, is part of North Korea's five-year plan to upgrade its strategic strike capabilities.
- Kim Jong Un observed the ground test of an upgraded solid-fuel engine for ICBMs
- Engine produced 2,500 kilonewtons of thrust, higher than previous tests
- Test conducted as part of a five-year defense development plan
- Experts speculate on North Korea's claims and technological hurdles
- North Korea has accelerated its nuclear and missile programs since 2019
The test was conducted as part of North Korea's five-year arms build-up meant to upgrade its "strategic strike means," a term referring to nuclear-capable ballistic missiles and other weapons. Kim called the latest engine test "of great significance in putting the country's strategic military muscle on the highest level," according to KCNA.
According to PBS, some experts speculate that North Korea's claim may be an exaggeration, noting that solid-fuel engines are easier to move and conceal their launches than liquid-fuel weapons. Lee Choon Geun, an honorary research fellow at South Korea's Science and Technology Policy Institute, suggested that the program might be facing delays or seeking Russian assistance.
Fox News reported that solid-fuel systems are significant because they can be launched more quickly and with less warning than older liquid-fuel missiles. However, Pyongyang still faces major technical barriers before fielding a fully reliable intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), especially ensuring a warhead can survive atmospheric reentry.
North Korea has pushed hard to expand its nuclear arsenal since Kim's high-stakes diplomacy with U.S. President Donald Trump collapsed in 2019. In a ruling Workers' Party congress in February, Kim left open the door for dialogue but urged Washington to drop demands for North Korea's nuclear disarmament as a precondition for talks.
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