North Korea tests powerful missile engine as Kim Jong Un ramps up US strike capability

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the testing of the engine, which reportedly has a maximum thrust of 2,500 kilotons
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the test of a high-thrust, solid-fuel engine, and hailed it as an upgrade to the country’s strategic military capability , as the country attempts to advance its arsenal capable of reaching the US mainland, state media reported Sunday.

The report carried by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) indicated that Mr Kim is intent on enlarging and modernising the country’s arsenal.

It comes days after Mr Kim delivered a speech at North Korea 's parliament pledging to cement Pyongyang’s status as a nuclear power, accusing the US of global “state terrorism and aggression”, in an apparent reference to the war in the Middle East.

Mr Kim oversaw the testing of the engine, which reportedly has a maximum thrust of 2,500 kilotons, an upgrade from the nearly 1,971 kilotons reported in a similar solid fuel engine tested in September.

Experts observe this push to increase engine power as linked to efforts to place multiple warheads on a single missile to increase chances of defeating US defence systems.

Observers also point out that the North appears keen on learning and adapting from recent conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, and planning integration across its ground and missile forces.

The latest test showed North Korea ’s “resolve to acquire missiles capable of hitting targets around the globe”, Hong Min from the Korea Institute for National Unification told AFP.

"Given the increased maximum thrust, this indicates its intention to possess ICBMs with global strike range, as well as the ability to overwhelm missile defence systems," Mr Min said.

KCNA did not report exactly when or where the test occurred.

The test was conducted as part of the country's five-year military escalation program, whose objectives include upgrading “strategic strike means”, according to KCNA.

Mr Kim said the latest engine test had “great significance in putting the country’s strategic military muscle on the highest level,” KCNA reported.

In recent years, North Korea has test-fired a variety of ICBMs demonstrating the potential range to reach the US mainland.

These include missiles with solid propellants that make detection before liftoff more difficult, in comparison to the country's older liquid-fuel missiles, which must be fueled before liftoff.

Some foreign experts say North Korea still faces technological hurdles before it has a functioning ICBM, such as ensuring its warheads survive the harsh conditions of atmospheric reentry.

However, others dispute that assessment, given the number of years the country has spent on its nuclear and missile programs.

North Korea has pushed hard to expand its nuclear arsenal since Mr Kim's high-stakes diplomacy with US president Donald Trump collapsed in 2019.

In a ruling Workers' Party congress in February, the North Korean premier left open the door for dialogue with Mr Trump, but urged Washington to drop demands for the North’s nuclear disarmament as a precondition for talks.