North Korea says it tested new solid-fuel engines for intermediate-range ballistic missiles

North Korea recently announced that it has conducted successful tests of new solid-fuel engines for its intermediate-range ballistic missiles. This development is part of its ongoing efforts to create nuclear weapons that can target regional adversaries. The tests of the first and second-stage missile engines were conducted last Saturday and Tuesday, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), though the completion date for the new missile system remains unspecified.

The country’s current intermediate-range missiles, such as the Hwasong-12, which could potentially reach Guam, a U.S. Pacific territory, utilize liquid-fuel engines. These engines require pre-launch fueling and cannot remain fueled for extended periods. In contrast, missiles equipped with solid propellants are quicker to launch, easier to transport and hide, thus making them less detectable and reducing the chances of a preemptive strike by adversaries.

KCNA described the tests as critical for enhancing North Korea’s strategic offensive capabilities amid a “grave and unstable security environment” and increasing military hostility and collaboration among its enemies.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has escalated weapon demonstrations, including simulated nuclear attacks on South Korea, and has authorized preemptive nuclear strikes if North Korea’s leadership feels threatened. In response, South Korea is intensifying its joint military exercises with the U.S., seeking stronger assurances of U.S. nuclear protection against potential North Korean nuclear attacks.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik recently updated their bilateral security agreement, focusing on countering North Korea’s growing nuclear and missile threats. The agreement confirms U.S. commitment to using its full military capabilities, including nuclear, for South Korea’s defense.

Earlier this year, North Korea unveiled the Hwasong-18, its first solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile, capable of reaching the U.S. mainland. However, analysts believe North Korea still faces technological challenges in developing a fully operational nuclear arsenal threatening the U.S.

Despite testing ICBMs at high angles to avoid neighboring territories, it is unclear if North Korea has mastered the technology for its warheads to survive atmospheric reentry and accurately hit targets.

Amidst these developments, there are concerns about North Korea’s potential arms collaboration with Russia. South Korean intelligence suggests North Korea may have sent artillery shells to Russia, which both countries deny. Concurrently, Russia’s natural resources minister, Alexander Kozlov, is visiting North Korea, indicating growing diplomatic ties and discussions on trade, science, and technology, as reported by KCNA and The Big Big News.

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More about North Korea missile tests

• North Korea’s Missile Development
• Solid-Fuel vs. Liquid-Fuel Missiles
• Regional Tensions in the Korean Peninsula
• Hwasong-18 and ICBM Technology
• North Korea-Russia Military Collaboration Concerns