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
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.
“Compared to liquid-propellant weapons, solid-fuel missiles are more mobile, quicker to launch, and easier to conceal and use during a conflict,” said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor of international studies at Ewha University in Seoul.
“Once deployed, the technology would make North Korea’s nuclear forces more versatile, survivable, and dangerous.”
Lim Eul-chul, a professor of North Korean studies at Kyungnam University in South Korea, said the latest test signals North Korea’s push to build more powerful ICBMs and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs).
“We cannot rule out the possibility of the North test-firing an ICBM with a new solid-fuel rocket next year,” Lim said.
Developing a solid-fuel ICBM was part of the North’s five military tasks rolled out at its key party meeting last year.
After overseeing the test, Kim expressed “expectation that another new-type strategic weapon would be made in the shortest span of time”, according to KCNA.
In one of the photos released by KCNA, Kim was seen smiling with a cigarette in one hand as large smoke cloud is visible behind him.
North Korea has conducted an unprecedented number of missile tests this year, including an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the US mainland, despite international bans and sanctions.
In March, Kim visited the Sohae site and called for expansion of the facility which has been used to test various missile technologies, including static rocket engines and space launch vehicles.
A new report by the US-based Centre for International and Strategic Studies (CSIS) said commercial satellite imagery shows construction of what appears to be a horizontal engine test stand, describing it as the “first of its kind” at the Sohae station that would boost the facility’s capabilities.
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“We are concerned about North Korea’s media report, and are monitoring its activities,” an official at South Korea’s unification ministry handling inter-Korean affairs said.
The latest test comes as International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi is in Seoul for talks with South Korean officials during which he vowed an all-out effort to stop North Korea’s nuclear programme.
South Korean and US officials have said the North has completed preparations for a potential nuclear test, which would be the first since 2017.
