North Korea has tested a solid-fuel diesel engine that experts say would enable faster and more mobile ballistic missile launches because it seeks to develop new strategic weapons and speed up its nuclear and missile programs.
The test, overseen by leader Kim Jong Un, was carried out on Thursday at North Korea’s Sohae Satellite Launching Ground, which has been used to check rocket technologies including rocket engines and space launch vehicles, the official KCNA news agency reported on Friday.
Experts say the test appears to be aimed toward developing a new solid-propellant intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), given the thrust of the engine, which the North said was “the primary of its kind” within the country.
North Korea is working to construct more solid fuel missiles which can be more stable and might be launched with almost no warning or preparation time.
![The test took place on Thursday at the Sohae satellite launcher in Tongchang-ri, North Korea. December 15.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/2022-12-15T224813Z_603418987_RC2L6Y9LMQUK_RTRMADP_3_NORTHKOREA-MISSILES.jpg?w=1024)
“In comparison with liquid-propellant weapons, solid-propellant missiles are more mobile, faster to fireplace, and easier to hide and use during a conflict,” said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor of international studies at Ewha University in Seoul.
“Once deployed, the technology will make North Korea’s nuclear forces more versatile, survivable and dangerous.”
Lim Eul-chul, a professor of North Korean studies at South Korea’s Kyungnam University, said the newest tests signal North Korea’s push to construct more powerful ICBMs and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs).
![Kim Jong-un observes the test from a position away from the test bench.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/2022-12-16T010029Z_634726075_RC2L6Y9AGUVS_RTRMADP_3_NORTHKOREA-MISSILES.jpg?w=1024)
“We cannot rule out that the North will test-launch an ICBM with a new solid-propellant rocket next yr,” Lim said.
UNUSUAL TESTS
The event of a solid-propellant ICBM was a part of the North’s five military assignments presented at its key party meeting last yr.
After overseeing the test, Kim said that “one other necessary issue within the implementation of the five priority tasks” had been successfully resolved and expressed “the expectation that the following new variety of strategic weapon shall be produced within the shortest possible time”, in accordance with KCNA.
In one in every of the photos posted by KCNA, Kim was seen smiling with a cigarette in a single hand as a large cloud of smoke might be seen behind it.
![Leader Kim Jong-un smiles while holding a cigarette against the backdrop of engine smoke.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/2022-12-15T224813Z_1175939291_RC2L6Y9PBNW8_RTRMADP_3_NORTHKOREA-MISSILES.jpg?w=1024)
North Korea has conducted an unprecedented variety of missile tests this yr, including an ICBM that may reach the continental United States despite international bans and sanctions.
A new report by the U.S. Center for International and Strategic Studies (CSIS) says industrial satellite imagery shows the development of what appears to be a horizontal engine test rig, describing it as a “first of its kind” at Sohae Station that would expand the power’s capability.
“We’re concerned about North Korean media reports and are monitoring its activities,” said a South Korean unification ministry official in control of inter-Korean affairs.
The most recent test concerns the pinnacle of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi in Seoul for talks with South Korean officials during which he vowed to do his best to stop North Korea’s nuclear program.
During a meeting with Grossi, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol expressed concern about North Korea’s “race” in developing its nuclear and missile programs, urging the cooperation of UN agencies to stop Pyongyang from further provocations.
South Korean and US officials said the North had accomplished preparations for a potential nuclear test, which can be the primary since 2017.