North Korea claims successful test of missile engine targeting the US
Photo: North Korea tests engine for intercontinental missile (Getty Images)
North Korea has announced another breakthrough in missile technology that could be used to strike the United States and its allies. However, experts caution that Pyongyang's bold statements may include propaganda exaggeration, according to the Associated Press.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un described the development as an important achievement, which, according to him, is intended to strengthen the country's military potential.
The test was reported by the Korean Central News Agency. According to its data, the engine is made from carbon-fiber composite material, with a maximum thrust reportedly reaching 2,500 kilotons. For comparison, during a similar test in September, Pyongyang reported a figure of 1,970 kilotons.
North Korea claims that this test was part of a five-year weapons development program aimed at modernizing its "strategic strike capabilities." In North Korean terminology, this usually refers to ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads and other strategic weapons systems.
According to Kim, the latest tests are of "great significance in putting the country's strategic military muscle on the highest level." At the same time, Pyongyang did not specify where or when the test took place.
Expert opinions
The lack of concrete technical details has raised doubts among some experts. Lee Chun Goon, honorary research fellow at South Korea's Institute for Science and Technology Policy, said the report could be "bluffing," since it does not reveal key information, including the total engine burn time.
He recalled that after the September test, North Korea called it the ninth and final ground test of a solid-fuel engine that, according to its claims, was to be used for intercontinental ballistic missiles. Observers expected a rapid ICBM test launch with that engine, but this has yet to occur.
According to Lee, North Korea's solid-fuel engine program may have faced delays. He also did not rule out that Pyongyang is trying to develop a more advanced engine and could have received technical assistance from Russia in the process.
Among international experts, there is no consensus on North Korea’s actual capabilities. Some believe the country still faces technological challenges, including ensuring warhead survival during reentry. Others emphasize that years of work on nuclear and missile programs mean Pyongyang’s progress should not be underestimated.
Lee Chun Goon noted that more powerful and efficient solid-fuel engines could allow North Korea to produce smaller intercontinental missiles, launchable from submarines or mobile land platforms. Other observers suggest Pyongyang may aim to increase engine power to carry multiple warheads on a single missile, thereby increasing the chances of overcoming the US missile defense system.
Reminder: In February, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced plans to strengthen the country’s nuclear potential over the next five years, while also hinting at the possibility of establishing relations with Washington under certain conditions.
