North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed a test of a carbon fiber solid-fuel engine intended for use in a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Following his attendance at China's Victory Day celebrations, where he showcased the close ties among North Korea, China, and Russia both domestically and internationally, Kim is now demonstrating ICBM technology capable of targeting the United States, thereby increasing pressure for recognition of North Korea as a nuclear-armed state.
On September 9, the Korean Central News Agency reported that North Korea's Missile General Bureau, in cooperation with the Chemical Materials Research Institute, conducted another ground jet test of a high-thrust solid-fuel engine using carbon fiber composites the previous day. Kim Jong Un personally attended the test.
According to the agency, this was the ninth ground jet test of the engine and marks the final test in the development process. The engine's maximum thrust is 1,971 kN (kilonewtons). Kim stated, "The remarkable achievement of developing a high-thrust carbon fiber solid-fuel engine is the most strategic accomplishment in our recent national defense modernization projects," adding, "This signals a significant transformation in the expansion and strengthening of our nuclear strategic forces."
Prior to attending China's Victory Day celebrations, Kim Jong Un visited the Comprehensive Chemical Materials Research Institute on September 1 to inspect the production process for carbon fiber composites and the manufacturing status of high-thrust missile engines. The news agency reported that this solid-fuel engine is planned for use in the next-generation ICBM, the Hwasong-20.
Since the test has been described as the final stage in the development process, there is a strong possibility that North Korea's development of new ICBMs such as the Hwasong-20 will accelerate. Yang Moojin, a distinguished professor at the University of North Korean Studies, stated, "By referring to this as the 'final' solid-fuel engine test, North Korea is signaling an imminent test launch of the Hwasong-20 solid-fuel engine. If they have also received Russian technical support for atmospheric reentry, it could even be considered a 'completed' system." He added, "This could serve as the culmination of the five-year national defense development plan and as a celebratory display for the 9th Party Congress scheduled for January next year. At the same time, with U.S.-North Korea negotiations on the horizon, there is a high likelihood of a test launch within the year to pressure for recognition as a nuclear-armed state."
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