Pyongyang has been working to build more solid-fuel rockets, which are more stable and can be launched almost without warning.
North Korea has tested a “high-thrust solid-fuel engine,” state media reported Friday, as the isolated country continues efforts to develop a new strategic weapon and accelerate its nuclear and missile programs.
The test, which was overseen by leader Kim Jong Un, took place Thursday at North Korea’s Sohae Satellite Launching Ground, official KCNA news agency said.
The static firing test proved the engine’s reliability and stability and provided a “guarantee for the development of another novel strategic weapon system,” added KCNA.
Experts say that given the engine’s thrust capability, the test is aimed at developing a new solid-fuel ICBM, which North Korea calls “the first of its kind” in the country.
The country is working to build more solid-fuel rockets, which are more stable and can be launched with almost no warning or preparation time.
“Pyongyang’s claim to be testing a solid-fuel motor for longer-range ballistic missiles supports its more aggressive, recently proclaimed, doctrine to use nuclear weapons when the Kim leadership or strategic assets are threatened,” said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, Al Jazeera said. “Once deployed, the technology would make North Korea’s nuclear forces more versatile, more survivable and more dangerous.”
However, Easley warned that moving from a ground test with a solid fuel engine to operational, accurate and reliable missiles would present many technical challenges and state media could exaggerate the country’s weapons capabilities and operational timetables.
The test took place at the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground. A US think tank said in a recent report that satellite imagery showed a horizontal engine test bed had been built there [KCNA via Reuters]
Unprecedented testing
The development of a solid-fuel ICBM was part of North Korea’s five military tasks, which were rolled out at its most important party meeting last year.
After overseeing the test, Kim said “another important problem in the implementation of the five priority tasks” had been successfully resolved, and expressed “expectation that another novel strategic weapon will be produced in the shortest possible time,” according to KCNA.
North Korea has conducted an unprecedented number of missile tests this year, including an ICBM capable of reaching the mainland United States despite international bans and sanctions.
In March, Kim visited the Sohae site and called for an expansion of the facility, which was used to test various rocket technologies, including static rocket engines and launch vehicles.
A new report from the US-based Center for International and Strategic Studies (CSIS) says commercial satellite imagery showed the construction of what appeared to be a horizontal engine test bed, describing it as the “first of its kind” at the Sohae station.
The latest test came as International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi visited Seoul for talks with South Korean officials and pledged a sweeping effort to halt North Korea’s nuclear program.
During his meeting with Grossi, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol expressed concern about North Korea’s “race” to advance its nuclear and missile programs and called for the United Nations Organization to work together to stop Pyongyang from further provocations.
South Korean and US officials said North Korea has completed preparations for a possible nuclear test, which would be its first since 2017.