The country is advancing its development of more advanced weaponry capable of striking farther distances. Recently, North Korea successfully tested a solid-fuel engine for its new intermediate-range hypersonic missile. This development was reported by state media on Wednesday, showcasing progress in Pyongyang’s efforts to create a more powerful and agile missile that could potentially reach targets further away, including Guam, a US territory in the region.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the test, which took place on Tuesday at the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground in the country’s northwest, as reported by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Kim emphasized the strategic importance of the new missile, comparing it to intercontinental ballistic missiles aimed at the US mainland, stating that the “enemies know better about it.” The completion timetable for the development of this new weapons system was set following the successful test.
In 2021, Kim announced plans to modernize the military and develop technologically-advanced weapons systems, including a hypersonic missile. In January, North Korea conducted a test of an intermediate-range hypersonic missile involving a new solid-fuel engine. The recent test on Tuesday did not provide further details on the engine or the specifics of the test.
Solid-fuel missiles offer advantages such as quicker launch capabilities and easier mobility and concealment compared to liquid-fuel missiles. Hypersonic weapons, flying at speeds over five times the speed of sound, could potentially challenge regional missile defence systems due to their high speed and maneuverability.
Following this announcement, North Korea revealed that Kim oversaw drills featuring “newly-equipped super-large” multiple rocket launchers. North Korea has been conducting a series of provocative missile tests since 2022, leading the US and South Korean militaries to increase bilateral exercises and trilateral drills involving Japan.