North Korean leader Kim Jong-un supervised a test of a modernized, high-thrust solid-fuel engine for weapons and hailed it as a significant achievement in enhancing the country's strategic military capacity, the KCNA news agency reported today, quoted by BTA.
Although the test is in line with Kim Jong-un's stated goal of acquiring faster, harder-to-detect missiles aimed at the US and its allies, some experts suggest that North Korea's claim may be exaggerated.
The KCNA added that the North Korean leader supervised the ground test of the new engine. The agency said the engine's maximum output was 2,500 kilotons, compared with about 1,970 kilotons reported in a similar solid-fuel engine test in September.
According to the KCNA, the test was conducted as part of North Korea's five-year arms buildup aimed at modernizing "strategic strike weapons," a term referring to ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads as well as other weapons.
North Korea's leader said the latest engine test was "of great significance in bringing the country's strategic military power to the highest level."
The KCNA did not say exactly when or where the test took place, the Associated Press reported.