North Korea says it tested ‘high-thrust solid-fuel motor’ for apparent ICBM development

The test, overseen by leader Kim Jong Un, was conducted on Thursday at North Korea’s Sohae Satellite Launching Ground, the official KCNA news agency said.

The static firing test proved the motor’s reliability and stability, providing a “guarantee for the development of another new-type strategic weapon system”, KCNA added.

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, which are more stable and can be launched with almost no warning or preparation time.

“They can be used for surprise launches and show improved survivability against enemies’ attacks, meaning North Korea is accelerating its push to develop more powerful ICBMs and submarine-launched ballistic missiles,” Lim Eul-chul, a professor of North Korean studies at Kyungnam University in South Korea, said. “We cannot rule out the possibility of the North test-firing an ICBM with a new solid fuel rocket next year.”

Unprecedented tests

Developing a solid-fuel ICBM was part of the North’s five military tasks rolled out at its key party meeting last year.

After overseeing the test, Kim said “another important problem in carrying out the five priority tasks” was successfully solved, and expressed “expectation that another new-type strategic weapon would be made in the shortest span of time,” according to KCNA.

North Korea has conducted an unprecedented number of missile tests this year, including an ICBM capable of reaching the U.S. mainland, despite international bans and sanctions.

In March, Kim visited the Sohae site and called for expansion of the facility which has been used to test various missile technologies, including static rocket engines and space launch vehicles.

A new report by the U.S.-based Center for International and Strategic Studies (CSIS) said commercial satellite imagery shows construction of what appears to be a horizontal engine test stand, describing it as the “first of its kind” at the Sohae station that would boost the facility’s capabilities.

The latest test comes as International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi is in Seoul for talks with South Korean officials during which he vowed an all-out effort to stop North Korea’s nuclear program.

During his meeting with Grossi, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol expressed concerns over North Korea’s “race” to advance its nuclear and missile programs, calling for the U.N. agency’s cooperation to deter Pyongyang from further provocations.

South Korean and U.S. officials have said the North has completed preparations for a potential nuclear test, which would be the first since 2017.