Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has overseen a high-thrust solid-fuel missile engine test using composite carbon fiber material for intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), stating it heralds "a significant change" in strengthening the country's nuclear strategic forces, state media reported Tuesday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Missile Administration, in collaboration with a chemical materials research center, conducted the ground jet test the previous day, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). This development follows Kim's visit to the research institute responsible for the engine, where he unveiled the next-generation Hwasong-20 ICBM, which will utilize the new engine.
Kim emphasized that the engine's development signifies a notable shift in expanding and fortifying North Korea's nuclear strategic capabilities, calling it a "success assuming the most strategic nature in the recent modernization of defense technology." KCNA reported that the engine test marks the ninth and final one in the development process, with a maximum thrust of 1,971 kilonewtons.
North Korea's last ICBM test was conducted on October 31 last year with the solid-fuel Hwasong-19, referred to as "an ICBM of ultimate version" at that time. The Hwasong-20 represents the latest advancement in North Korea's ICBM arsenal, and the completion of its new engine is anticipated to expedite the missile's development.
The North Korean regime has also ratified a decree to award state commendations to the president of the chemical materials academy and the director responsible for solid-fuel engine development under the Missile Administration, as noted by the KCNA. While the agency did not specify the location of the chemical materials academy, the South Korean government has identified it as being in the east coast city of Hamhung.
Kim's latest move seems aimed at highlighting North Korea's ICBM capabilities, capable of reaching any target in U.S. territory. This comes after Kim stood alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a military parade in Beijing last week, showcasing solidarity against the U.S.-led West.
An official at South Korea's unification ministry suggested that the disclosure of the recent engine test might be intended as a message toward Washington. "Given that it was reported right after (Kim's) attendance at the Chinese military parade, the latest test appears aimed at the outside world, possibly a message toward the U.S.," the official noted.
Observers speculate that North Korea may unveil or test-fire the Hwasong-20 ICBM on the upcoming October 10 anniversary of the Workers' Party of Korea. To commemorate the anniversary, the North is preparing a large-scale military parade, involving approximately 10,000 participants, which may also feature the return of a mass gymnastics show after five years, according to South Korea's spy agency.