N. Korea develops new type solid-fuel engines for IRBM

The first ground tests of the first- and the second-stage engines were held on November 11 and 14 respectively, state-run news agency KCNA reported Wednesday.

The tests were aimed at evaluating the technical specifications of new IRBM engines, the media reported, adding that the tests were “very successful” and the “reliability and stability” of the engines and manufacturing technologies were verified.

North Korea “has developed new-type high-thrust solid-fuel engines for intermediate ballistic missiles again, which are of important strategic significance,” Pyongyang’s official Korean Central News Agency reported, adding that the tests “provided a sure guarantee for reliably accelerating the development of the new-type IRBM system.”

In April, Pyongyang announced the successful test of its first solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile – “Hwasong-18”, calling the event a key breakthrough in the development of the country’s nuclear standoff capability.

Solid-fuel missiles do not require fueling before launch, making them more difficult to detect and destroy and faster to use.

AMK/PR