Using its state-run media, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un directed the last ground test of a new solid-fuel engine to be used in intercontinental ballistic missiles on Tuesday, the media reported. The test is the ninth and last stage of development of the system, and Pyongyang has stated that the engine has attained exceptional thrust rates. This, according to analysts, is an indication that the program is currently prepared to undergo a complete missile test, which may be in time before the end of the year.
Last stage of development accomplished
According to Deutsche Welle, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un himself supervised the last ground test of a new solid-fuel engine to be used in intercontinental ballistic missiles, state media said Tuesday. Pyongyang has now created several intercontinental missiles that have a range of flying distance to the US mainland, and models that use solid fuel are considered to be very threatening. Analysts also believe that the announcement will put the program in a position where it is now ready to have a complete missile test, maybe at the end of the year.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) also termed it the ninth and final development test of the system. It was a ground jet test of a high-thrust solid-fuel engine on the composite carbon fiber material, KCNA reported. The pictures that were posted depicted Kim observing the engine fire using his binoculars, and a long red flame that extended to the ground.
Engine achieves record thrust levels
The test on Monday observed by leader Kim Jong Un was the ninth of the engine built with carbon fiber and capable of producing 1,971 kilonewtons of thrust, more powerful than past models, according to the North’s official Korean Central News Agency, NBC News reported. The report came a week after Kim visited the research institute that developed the engine, which North Korea then said would be used for future intercontinental ballistic missiles, including a system called Hwasong-20.
The news agency quoted Kim as saying that the new rocket engine “heralds a significant change in expanding and strengthening the nuclear strategic forces” of North Korea. KCNA claimed the engine reached a thrust of 1,971 kilonewtons — a figure that would be extraordinarily high by international standards, but not verified.
Solid-fuel technology raises concerns
Solid-fuel technology is seen as a particular threat because it allows missiles to be fueled in advance, making them faster to deploy and harder to detect than liquid-fuel versions. Yang Moo-jin, former president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, told the AFP news agency that the test “indicates the production of a solid-fuel engine to be used for the new ICBM.”
Pyongyang’s description of the “last” stage of development hinted at “a probable test launch of its new ICBM soon,” Yang said, describing a launch this year as highly plausible. Some analysts say that North Korea may conduct another ICBM test around the end of the year, showcasing its military strength ahead of a major ruling party congress expected in early 2026. The test was only a week following the unveiling of its Hwasong-20, which was marketed as a next-generation ICBM by Pyongyang.
A major achievement in the nuclear weapon program of North Korea is the completion of solid-fuel ICBM engine testing, which put the nuclear regime in a position to deploy a missile that can hit the U.S. mainland with a shorter warning time. The successful test that was being carried out under the direct supervision of Kim Jong Un indicates that Pyongyang is still dedicated to developing its strategic capabilities despite the international sanctions and diplomatic pressure from the global community.