North Korea Advances Arms Program with Successful Test of Carbon Fiber Rocket Motor
North Korea’s state media reported that Kim Jong Un, the country’s leader, personally oversaw the ground test of a high-thrust solid-fuel rocket motor. This test is described as part of Pyongyang’s strategic weapons development process, though no details were provided about the timing or location of the test.
The Korean Central News Agency stated that this upgraded motor was developed under a five-year defense plan and is a carbon fiber composite type with a maximum thrust of 2,500 kilonewtons. North Korean officials called this move a step towards strengthening their defensive capabilities.
The test occurred days after Kim Jong Un criticized U.S. policies in comments about the recent war against Iran. North Korea’s state media also reported that the leader observed special operations forces training as well as a new main battle tank.
Agence France-Presse (AFP), citing analysts, wrote that high-thrust solid-fuel motors can reduce the preparation and launch time of intercontinental ballistic missiles and make their detection more difficult. According to these analysts, such technology could extend missile range and enable targeting of distant objectives, including U.S. territory.
Hong Min, an analyst at the Korea National Alliance Institute, described this advancement as a sign of Pyongyang’s efforts to develop missiles capable of global targeting.
Reports indicate this is the first confirmed test of a high-thrust solid-fuel motor since September. North Korea also announced a test of a lower thrust motor in September last year.
AFP added that following the halt of diplomatic efforts between Pyongyang and the United States in 2019, North Korea’s arms programs have accelerated. However, Kim Jong Un stated in February that he is ready to resume negotiations if Washington drops its demands for nuclear disarmament.
