North Korea Tests New Solid-Fuel Rocket Engine, Escalating Global Concerns
Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the tests of powerful rocket engine.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally oversaw a groundbreaking test of a new solid-fuel rocket engine designed for intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), marking a significant leap in the country’s quest to threaten the continental United States, state media reported Tuesday. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) described the test, conducted on Monday, as the ninth and final ground trial of a carbon fiber-based engine capable of generating an unprecedented 1,971 kilonewtons of thrust—surpassing the power of previous models.
This development follows Kim’s visit last week to the research institute responsible for the engine’s creation, where he revealed its intended use in the next-generation Hwasong-20 ICBM. Unlike North Korea’s older liquid-fuel missiles, solid-fuel technology allows for faster launch preparation, enhanced mobility, and greater concealment, making these weapons harder to detect and intercept. The successful test signals that North Korea is nearing completion of a more advanced and threatening ICBM arsenal.
Kim, visibly pleased, hailed the test as an “eye-opening” milestone that promises a “significant change” in bolstering North Korea’s nuclear capabilities. His regime has been aggressively advancing its weapons program since nuclear talks with the United States collapsed in 2019 during Donald Trump’s first presidency. Experts suggest Kim’s strategy is to force Washington to recognize North Korea as a nuclear power, paving the way for negotiations on economic and security concessions.
Also Read: Xi and Kim Pledge Stronger Alliance as China and North Korea Strengthen Ties
North Korea’s recent ICBM tests, conducted at high-angle trajectories to avoid neighboring countries, have demonstrated the potential to reach the U.S. mainland. However, challenges remain, particularly in perfecting warhead re-entry technology to withstand atmospheric conditions. Kim’s push for multi-warhead systems further aims to overwhelm missile defense systems, escalating global concerns.
Beyond missile development, Kim is strengthening ties with Russia and China to counter U.S. influence. He has supplied troops and military equipment to support Russia’s war in Ukraine and made a rare trip to Beijing last week, joining Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end. This display of unity underscores an emerging alliance aimed at challenging Western dominance. On Tuesday, KCNA reported that Xi sent a letter to Kim on North Korea’s founding anniversary, urging deeper “strategic communication” between the two nations.
As Kim accelerates his nuclear ambitions, the international community braces for heightened tensions, with analysts warning that his actions could reshape global security dynamics. The successful engine test marks a provocative step forward, raising questions about how the U.S. and its allies will respond to North Korea’s growing threat.
Also Read: Kim Jong Un to Hold Key Talks With Chinese President Xi
