N. Korea’s Hwasong-19 ICBM Launch Lacked New Engine Test, Lawmaker Reports.

Seoul: North Korea does not appear to have carried out a new engine test before launching the Hwasong-19 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) last month, a South Korean lawmaker said Monday, citing the military intelligence agency. The assessment came amid suspicions that Russia may have provided technical assistance to North Korea for the missile launch as the two nations have been bolstering military cooperation.According to Yonhap News Agency, North Korea confirmed it had successfully test-fired the new Hwasong-19 ICBM on October 31, describing it as the "ultimate" version of its long-range missile series. The missile achieved the highest altitude and longest flight time among its predecessors. State media released photos showing the missile being launched from an 11-axle transporter erector launcher (TEL), which is approximately 30 meters long and appears larger than any of North Korea's existing missile launch vehicles.Rep. Yu Yong-weon of the ruling People Power Party, citing a report by the De fense Intelligence Agency, noted that the Hwasong-19's increased length and diameter, along with its enhanced maximum altitude, suggest it is a new type of ICBM distinct from the Hwasong-18. Although North Korea has previously disclosed tests of new engines for missiles, military intelligence has not detected any further signs of solid-fuel engine tests since March 20, when North Korea's state media reported a ground jet test for a new intermediate-range hypersonic missile.The military report also highlighted the potential for North Korea to have received Russian support for technologies applicable to ballistic missile development, under the guise of "space technology cooperation." Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun concurred with this assessment, acknowledging the possibility of Russian technical assistance during a parliamentary defense committee meeting. He stated that no evidence of engine testing was found in relation to the Hwasong-19 launch.North Korea seems to be accelerating its missile development, with a particular focus on solid-fuel ICBMs, which are considered more difficult to detect before launch compared to liquid-fuel variants due to fewer preparation procedures. Last year, North Korea launched the solid-fuel Hwasong-18 ICBM three times, in April, July, and December.