North Korea tests high thrust solid fuel engine for apparent ICBM development

North Korea has tested a high-thrust solid-fuel engine that experts said would allow quicker and more mobile launch of ballistic missiles, as it 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 which has been used to test missile technologies, including rocket engines and space launch vehicles, the official KCNA news agency reported on Friday.

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 that 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 ballisitc 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.
UNPRECEDENTED TESTS