North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the ground test of a new high-thrust solid-fuel engine designed for intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), state media reported on Tuesday.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the test took place on Monday and was carried out by the Missile Administration in cooperation with a chemical materials research institute. The engine uses composite carbon fiber material and reportedly reached a maximum thrust of 1,971 kilonewtons.
The announcement came a week after Kim visited the research institute that developed the system, where he introduced the Hwasong-20 ICBM under development. He said the new engine would be integrated into the missile and described the project as a key step in strengthening North Korea’s strategic nuclear forces.
KCNA said this was the ninth test of its kind and the final one in the engine’s development phase. Officials involved in the program, including the head of the chemical materials academy and the director responsible for solid-fuel propulsion under the Missile Administration, will receive state commendations.
North Korea last conducted an ICBM test on October 31, 2024, when it launched the solid-fuel Hwasong-19, described at the time as an “ultimate version” of the system. The Hwasong-20 is now positioned as the next stage in the country’s ICBM program, with the completed engine expected to accelerate its deployment.
Analysts note that solid-fuel ICBMs are easier to transport, conceal, and launch quickly compared to liquid-fuel systems. Experts also expect Pyongyang could attempt another ICBM launch by the end of this year, ahead of a major party congress in early 2026. Questions remain, however, about whether North Korea has fully mastered re-entry technology for nuclear warheads.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said they are closely monitoring North Korea’s weapons development together with the United States. Analysts argue that Pyongyang aims to pressure Washington into recognizing it as a nuclear weapons state and to secure concessions in any future negotiations.
The developments come as Kim Jong Un strengthens ties with Russia and China. North Korea has supplied military equipment to Moscow for use in Ukraine, while Kim recently joined Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a World War II commemoration in China. KCNA also reported that Xi sent a congratulatory message to Kim, calling for stronger strategic communication between Beijing and Pyongyang.
