Kim Jong Un inspects solid-fuel engine ignition test, analysis suggests it may be equipped with an intercontinental missile

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspected the ground ignition test of a high-power solid-fuel engine using carbon fiber composite materials. According to the Korean Central News Agency, the upgraded high-power solid-fuel engine has a maximum thrust of 2,500 kilonewtons, which is about 26% higher than the maximum thrust of the solid-fuel engine revealed last September. This test is part of the new five-year national defense development plan.

The Korea Herald quoted analysts who believe that this engine may be mounted on the developing Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile. North Korea’s actions could be intended to send a warning message to the United States, suggesting that North Korea’s strategic advantage is different from Iran’s and that threats against the North should not be made.

Additionally, Kim Jong-un inspected a tank capability assessment test organized by the National Defense Science Institute, stating that the test confirmed the new main battle tank’s interception system can defeat nearly all existing anti-tank measures. Kim Jong-un also visited a special operations forces base to learn about the training status of various levels of special forces.