North Korea advances Missile programme with US-range engine test

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised the test of a high-thrust solid-fuel missile engine , in a move seen as a significant step toward strengthening the country’s strategic military capabilities , state media reported on Sunday.

According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the newly upgraded engine built using composite carbon fibre materials generated a maximum thrust of 2,500 kilotons , marking a notable increase from previous tests. The development is expected to support efforts to deploy multiple warheads on a single missile , potentially enhancing North Korea’s ability to evade missile defence systems.

The test comes amid Pyongyang’s ongoing five-year military modernisation programme , which prioritises the advancement of “strategic strike means,” widely interpreted as nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of reaching the United States mainland. Solid-fuel technology, unlike older liquid-fuel systems, allows for quicker launches and reduced detection time .

Kim described the latest test as having “great significance” in elevating the country’s strategic military strength . The announcement follows his recent address to the North Korean parliament, where he reiterated his commitment to cementing the country’s status as a nuclear power and accused the United States of global “state terrorism and aggression.”

The development has drawn concern from the United States and its regional allies. Officials in South Korea and Japan condemned the test, warning that it risks further destabilising the region and violates United Nations Security Council resolutions. Washington reaffirmed its commitment to the defence of its allies and called for North Korea to return to dialogue and refrain from provocative actions.

While some international experts maintain that North Korea still faces technical hurdles, particularly in ensuring warheads can survive atmospheric re-entry, others argue that the country’s sustained weapons development efforts have significantly narrowed these gaps.

Diplomatic efforts between Pyongyang and Washington have remained stalled since talks between Kim and former US President Donald Trump collapsed in 2019. Although North Korea has signalled openness to future negotiations, it continues to reject calls for denuclearisation as a precondition for talks .