Conducting such tests demonstrates "North Korea's determination to acquire missiles capable of hitting targets around the world."
North Korea tested a solid-fuel rocket engine - missiles with it are capable of hitting targets around the world. The engine tests, as reported by Deutsche Welle, correspond to the "national strategy and military requirements for the modernization of strategic forces," quotes North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as saying by the state agency KCNA. The location and date of the tests were not disclosed. It is claimed that the tests were successful.
Conducting such tests demonstrates "North Korea's determination to acquire missiles capable of hitting targets around the world," said South Korean analyst Hong Min to the agency. The photo shows flames erupting from the ground-based engine, illuminating the surrounding test site with an orange light.
Solid-fuel engines allow for accelerated missile launches, as they require minimal preparation before ignition, AFP reminds. According to defense experts, Pyongyang plans to use such engines in intercontinental ballistic missiles. At the same time, it is not ruled out that the declared technical parameters of the engine may be exaggerated.
North Korea announced successful tests of solid-fuel engines for new medium-range ballistic missiles in November 2023. At that time, several experts suggested that the development of missile weapons in North Korea could be accelerated due to possible military cooperation with Russia.
