Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has inspected a research institute for a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) under development, state media reported Tuesday, ahead of his departure for China to attend a military parade.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim reviewed the production of a new high-powered solid-fuel engine for ICBMs, intended for the next-generation Hwasong-20 ICBM, during his visit to the institute affiliated with the Missile Administration on Monday. This inspection comes as Kim left Pyongyang for Beijing aboard his private train to attend a military parade in China.

This development marks the first public disclosure of the latest missile in North Korea’s ICBM arsenal, following the test-firing of the solid-fuel Hwasong-19 ICBM in late October last year. North Korea announced that the new solid-fuel engine has a maximum thrust of 1,960 kilonewtons, slated for use in both the Hwasong-19 ICBM line and the new Hwasong-20 ICBM.

Kim reviewed the outcomes of eight rounds of tests on the engine, which employs carbon fiber composite material, conducted over the past two years and discussed laying the groundwork for its production. He described the results as meaningful achievements indicating a significant advancement in bolstering North Korea’s strategic missile capabilities.

North Korea is believed to already have missile capabilities to reach anywhere in the United States. The Hwasong-18, North Korea’s earlier ICBM version, has a range exceeding 15,000 kilometers, encompassing the entire U.S. territory. The country has since been focusing on enhancing its ICBMs, potentially extending their target range or warhead carriage capability.

In another inspection on Sunday, Kim also visited a new defense manufacturing facility and assessed an automated missile production line. These actions seem aimed at underscoring North Korea’s nuclear weapons capabilities as Kim prepares to appear on the international diplomatic stage by attending China’s military parade in Beijing on Wednesday.