Kim Jong Un oversees a major engine test, signalling a push for faster-launching, longer-range intercontinental ballistic missiles.

SEOUL: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen a ground test of an upgraded solid-fuel rocket engine, state media reported.

The test is part of Pyongyang’s ongoing push to enhance its strategic weapons arsenal, according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Solid-fuel engines enable faster missile launches as they require little preparation before ignition. Defence experts believe North Korea is planning to use them in the intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) it is developing.

The engine, made of composite carbon fibre material, was tested as “part of the national defence development plan”. Kim stated that pursuing such high-thrust engines “conforms with the national strategy and the military demand for modernising the strategic forces”.

KCNA reported the latest engine produced a higher thrust of 2,500 kilonewtons. This marks the first officially confirmed high-thrust solid-fuel engine test since September last year, when an engine generated a maximum thrust of 1,971 kilonewtons.

Analyst Hong Min from the Korea Institute for National Unification said the development demonstrates North Korea’s “resolve to acquire missiles capable of hitting targets around the globe”. He added that the increased thrust indicates an intention to possess ICBMs with global strike range and the ability to overwhelm missile defence systems.

Photos released by KCNA showed Kim inspecting part of the engine, flanked by officials. Another image showed flames erupting from a ground-mounted engine at an undisclosed test site.

Kim stated that North Korea’s defence capabilities had entered “a significant phase of change” in building up its strategic forces. In a separate report, KCNA said Kim also visited a special forces training base to inspect drills.

 The Sun Malaysia