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Kim Jong Un observed a test of a high-power solid-fuel weapon engine, and praised it as a development to enhance North Korea’s strategic military capabilities, state media reported.
The test likely indicates Kim’s plans to expand and modernize his arsenal of missiles capable of reaching the US mainland.
Sunday’s report from the Korean Central News Agency came days after a speech to North Korea’s parliament in which Kim pledged to permanently cement his country’s status as a nuclear power.
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He accused the US of global “terrorism and state aggression,” apparently referring to wars in the Middle East.
Kim observed a land jet test of a newly upgraded engine using carbon fiber composite materials, KCNA reported.
The engine’s maximum thrust is 2,500 kilotons, up from about 1,971 kilotons reported in a test of a similar solid fuel engine in September, according to the agency.
The push to increase engine power is likely tied to efforts to put multiple warheads on a single missile to increase the chances of defeating US defenses, observers say.
KCNA did not report exactly where or when the tests were carried out.
The ground ejection test was what KCNA said was a high-output solid fuel engine using carbon fiber composite materials. Photo: Reuters
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The tests are part of the country’s five-year military escalation program.
The goals include improving “strategic means of attack,” KCNA reported.
North Korea’s Kim Jong Un visits a special operations training base in North Korea on March 29. Photo: Reuters
The reference is understood to be a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile targeting the continental US.
Kim said the machine test was of great significance in placing his country’s strategic military power at the highest level, KCNA reported.
In recent years, North Korea has test-fired a variety of ICBMs that demonstrate the potential range for striking the US mainland, including solid-fuel missiles that make detection before takeoff more difficult.
A special operations training base in North Korea on March 29. Photo; Reuters
The country’s aging liquid-fuel missiles must be refueled before takeoff and do not last long.
Some foreign experts say North Korea still faces technological obstacles before having a functioning ICBM, such as ensuring the warhead can survive atmospheric reentry.
But others dispute that assessment considering the number of years the country has spent on its nuclear and missile programs.
North Korea has made major efforts to expand its nuclear arsenal since Kim’s diplomacy with Donald Trump failed in 2019.
At a congress of his ruling Workers’ Party in February, Kim opened the door to discussions with the US president but urged Washington to drop demands for North Korean nuclear disarmament as a precondition for talks.
