North Korea says it tested motor for ‘new strategic weapon system’

Leader Kim Jong-un oversaw the test of the ‘high-thrust solid-fuel’ device at the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground, state media reported

North Korea has been working to build more solid-fuel missiles, which are more stable and can be launched with almost no warning or preparation time

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North Korea tested a “high-thrust solid-fuel motor” at the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground on Thursday. Photo: KCNA via Reuters

Published: 7:38am, 16 Dec 2022Updated: 11:07am, 16 Dec 2022

North Korea has tested a “high-thrust solid-fuel motor”, state media reported on Friday, as the isolated country seeks to develop a new strategic weapon and speeds up its nuclear and missile programmes.

The test, overseen by leader Kim Jong-un, was conducted on Thursday at North Korea’s Sohae Satellite Launching Ground, the official KCNA news agency said.

The test proved the motor’s reliability and stability, providing a “guarantee for the development of another new-type strategic weapon system”, KCNA added.

Experts say the test appears aimed at developing a new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) given the thrust of the engine, which the North said was “the first of its kind” in the country.

North Korea has been working to build more solid-fuel missiles, which are more stable and can be launched with almost no warning or preparation time.

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