North Korea announced on Tuesday that its leader, Kim Jong Un, personally oversaw a new rocket engine test for intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). This marks another step in the country’s push to strengthen its missile program and increase threats to the continental United States.
According to the Korean Central News Agency, the test took place on Monday and was the ninth and final ground test of the new solid-fuel rocket engine. The engine, made with carbon fiber, produced 1,971 kilonewtons of thrust, which is stronger than earlier versions. Officials say the engine will be used in future ICBMs, including the Hwasong-20 system.
Just last week, Kim visited the research institute where scientists developed this advanced engine. North Korea confirmed that it plans to integrate the engine into upcoming missile systems.
In recent years, North Korea has flight-tested several ICBMs with ranges that could potentially reach the U.S. mainland. Solid-fuel propellants make these missiles more dangerous, as they are easier to move, hide, and launch quickly compared to the older liquid-fuel missiles.
This latest test shows North Korea’s determination to modernize its arsenal and increase its strategic missile capabilities under Kim Jong Un.
