The state-run Rodong Sinmun reported on its front page on Tuesday that the Missile Industry Department of North Korea conducted a ground test of a high-thrust solid-fuel rocket engine using carbon fiber composite materials on Monday, with Kim Jong Un in attendance.
According to the Korean Central News Agency, Kim was accompanied by key officials, including Kim Jong Sik, First Vice Minister of the Party’s Central Committee for Defense Industry, the head of the Missile Industry Department, directors of missile and chemical research institutes, and managers from solid rocket engine research and production facilities.
Kim hailed the development of the high-thrust carbon fiber solid-fuel engine as a strategic milestone in North Korea’s recent defense modernization efforts. He stated that this achievement signals significant advancements in expanding and strengthening the country’s nuclear strategic forces.
The newspaper also reported that Kim outlined critical tasks and directions related to the party and government’s strategic vision for expanding and developing the national nuclear arsenal.
The Korean Central News Agency disclosed that the engine has a thrust of 1,971 kilonewtons (kN), and experts estimate that this level of power could potentially lift approximately 200 metric tons.
Just prior to attending China’s 80th war victory anniversary on September 1, Kim visited the Chemical Materials Comprehensive Research Institute, a facility under the Missile Industry Department, where he assessed the production of carbon fiber composite materials and high-thrust missile engines.
Previously, the Korean Central News Agency reported that the maximum thrust of the new solid-fuel engine using carbon fiber composite materials was 1,960 kN, and stated that it was intended for use in the Hwasong-19 series of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) as well as the next-generation Hwasong-20 ICBM.