SEOUL, South Korea — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un showcased a test of an upgraded solid-fuel engine, claiming it boosts his country’s military power. This engine could potentially reach the U.S. mainland, according to state media.
Experts suggest that the significance of these claims might be overstated. Solid-fuel missiles are easier to transport and launch compared to liquid-fuel ones, which need preparation before use. This shift makes them harder to detect and intercept.
The test, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency, involved a new engine made from composite carbon fiber. The thrust was stated to be 2,500 kilonewtons, an increase from 1,970 kilonewtons in a previous test last month. However, details like how long the engine burned were missing, leading some analysts, including Lee Choon Geun from South Korea’s Science and Technology Policy Institute, to suspect North Korea might be bluffing.
In September, North Korea had indicated that last month’s test was the last in a series for a solid-fuel engine designed for intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). Though there were predictions of an imminent ICBM launch, none has occurred yet. This delay might hint at technical challenges or a desire to improve the engine, possibly with Russian support, as relations between North Korea and Russia have grown stronger, especially with North Korea providing weapons for Russia’s conflict in Ukraine.
In previous years, North Korea conducted various missile tests. While some were able to demonstrate potential ranges to the U.S., skepticism remains around their claims. In 2024, for example, they announced a successful multiwarhead missile test, but South Korea quickly labeled it a cover for a failed launch. Experts believe there are still significant hurdles for North Korea, including ensuring that warheads can survive reentry into the atmosphere.
Possessing efficient solid-fuel engines would allow North Korea to create smaller, more versatile ICBMs that could be launched from submarines or mobile platforms. Some analysts suggest that enhancing engine power might be part of a strategy to equip a single missile with multiple warheads, increasing the likelihood of breaching U.S. defenses.
Since the breakdown of high-stakes talks with former U.S. President Donald Trump in 2019, North Korea has aggressively pursued its nuclear capability. At a recent Workers’ Party congress, Kim hinted at a willingness to negotiate but insisted that the U.S. drop its demand for North Korea’s nuclear disarmament as a condition for dialogue.
As geopolitical tensions continue, North Korea’s developments in missile technology remain a focal point of international concern. For further insights on this topic, you can refer to the latest analysis from the Council on Foreign Relations.
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Donald Trump, Kim Jong-un, North Korea, North Korea government, Military and defense, Weapons testing, General news, International News, Asia Pacific, World news, Lee Choon Geun, Diplomacy, United States government
