September 10, 2025 | 06:53 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has personally overseen the final ground test of a new solid-fuel engine designed for intercontinental ballistic missiles, state media said Tuesday.
Pyongyang has developed several intercontinental missiles with a flight radius capable of reaching the US mainland, with solid-fuel models viewed as particularly dangerous. Analysts say the announcement signals the program is now ready for a full missile test, possibly before the end of the year.
What is North Korea’s latest missile test about?
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) described the event as the ninth and last development test of the system.
It was a "ground jet test of high-thrust solid-fuel engine using the composite carbon fiber material." KCNA said.
Images released showed Kim watching the engine fire through binoculars, with a long red flame stretching across the ground.
The news agency quoted Kim as saying that the new rocket engine "heralds a significant change in expanding and strengthening the nuclear strategic forces" of North Korea.
KCNA claimed the engine reached a thrust of 1,971 kilonewtons — a figure that would be extraordinarily high by international standards, but not verified.
Why are solid-fuel tests a concern for the West?
Solid-fuel technology is seen a particular threat because it allows missiles to be fueled in advance, making them faster to deploy and harder to detect than liquid-fuel versions.
Yang Moo-jin, former president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, told the AFP news agency that the test "indicates the production of a solid-fuel engine to be used for the new ICBM."
Pyongyang’s description of the "last" stage of development hinted at "a probable test launch of its new ICBM soon," Yang said, describing a launch this year as highly plausible.
The test came just a week after Pyongyang unveiled its Hwasong-20, billed as a next-generation ICBM. It also followed Kim's trip to Beijing for a World War II commemoration parade alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
North Korea has deepened its cooperation with Moscow since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, sending thousands of troops and weapons shipments. In return, analysts believe Pyongyang has been receiving technical expertise and financial aid that could accelerate its missile program.
Editor’s Choice: North Korea Wipes Away Traces of Kim Jong Un After Putin Meeting
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Do China and Its 26 Parade Guest Nations Rival US Economic Power?
3 hari lalu
A massive military parade in China was held in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, attended by 26 world leaders to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
North Korea Wipes Away Traces of Kim Jong Un After Putin Meeting
5 hari lalu
North Korea eliminated any trace of Kim Jong Un to protect clues about his health during his attendance at a military parade in China.
Prabowo, Xi Jinping Discuss Indonesia's Giant Sea Wall Project in Meeting
5 hari lalu
Prabowo met with Xi Jinping after attending the 80th anniversary celebration of China's victory in the People's War.
Hot Mic Catches China's Xi Jinping and Putin Discussing Organ Transplants, Immortality
5 hari lalu
Conversation between President Xi Jinping of China and President Vladimir Putin of Russia at a military parade in Beijing leaked to the public
South Korean Parliament Speaker Meets Kim Jong Un in China, First Encounter in 7 Years
5 hari lalu
South Korean House Speaker Woo Won Shik shakes hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and talks with Putin.
Russia Rejects Trump's Claim of Three Nations "Conspiring" Against the U.S.
6 hari lalu
The Kremlin has denied Trump's accusations that Russia, China, and North Korea are conspiring against the U.S.
Trump Accuses Putin, Xi Jinping, and Kim Jong Un of "Conspiring" Against U.S.
6 hari lalu
Trump is upset about the presence of Russia's President Vladimir Putin and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un in China. They attended the military parade celebration at the invitation of China's President Xi Jinping.
Prabowo Sits Beside Putin at China's Military Parade
6 hari lalu
President Prabowo Subianto attended the 80th anniversary of China's victory over Japan at Tiananmen Square, Beijing, China, on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.
Around 2,000 North Korean Soldiers Killed in Russia-Ukraine Combat
6 hari lalu
North Korea has sent 10,000 troops to Russia. About 2,000 of them are feared to have died in the war.
Prabowo to Attend China's Military Parade at Xi Jinping's Invitation
6 hari lalu
State Secretary Minister explains the reason for Prabowo's visit to Beijing amid the widespread protests in Indonesia.
