North Korea announced on Tuesday that its leader, Kim Jong Un, oversaw the test of a new rocket engine designed for intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), marking another step in his efforts to build an arsenal capable of threatening U.S. territory.
Thrust power reaches 1,971 kilonewtons.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Monday’s test was the ninth and final ground trial of the solid-fuel engine made from carbon fiber, with a thrust capacity of 1,971 kilonewtons—stronger than previous models.
The report followed Kim’s visit last week to the research institute that developed the engine, which North Korea stated will be used in future missiles, including a system known as “Hwasong-20.”
In recent years, Pyongyang has conducted flight tests of ICBMs that are theoretically capable of reaching U.S. territory. These include solid-fuel missiles, which are easier to transport, conceal, and launch quickly compared to traditional liquid-fuel rockets.
Kim has called for further development of long-range weapon capabilities, including multiple warhead systems that increase the chances of penetrating missile defense systems.