Kim Jong Un leads solid-fuel engine test, unveils new tank in Pyongyang military push
Kim Jong Un leads solid-fuel engine test, unveils new tank in Pyongyang military push
North Korea unveils a high-thrust solid-fuel engine and a new main battle tank as part of a five-year defence plan to boost strategic strike capabilities.
North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a ground test of a solid-fuel rocket engine made with carbon-fibre materials, and visited a new main battle tank and a special operations forces training base.
The engine delivers a maximum thrust of 2,500 kilonewtons and the test was described as part of a five-year defence development plan aimed at upgrading the country’s strategic strike capabilities. The leader was quoted as saying the test was of major significance for modernising North Korea’s strategic forces, as the country has stepped up demonstrations and inspections of its military capabilities in recent months.
The day also included inspections of a special operations forces training base, with officials stressing the need for intense peacetime training to prepare for modern warfare and outlining plans to reorganise the country’s special operations units. Kim attended tests of a new main battle tank, whose active protection system was claimed to be capable of intercepting nearly all existing anti-tank weapons and described as unmatched globally.
In context, a rare February ruling party congress reaffirmed a five-year plan that emphasises continued development of nuclear weapons and a broad upgrade of the military apparatus. Analysts suggest the focus on solid-fuel missile technology could allow faster launch preparation and greater survivability relative to liquid-fuel systems, signaling a broader shift in Pyongyang’s defence doctrine toward integrated ground and missile capabilities.
