North Korea tests powerful missile engine. Will an ICBM launch follow?

South China Morning Post National SecurityNews ReportEN 1 min read 100% complete by Park Chan-kyongMarch 29, 2026 at 07:49 AM

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North Korea tests solid-fuel missile engine as Kim boosts threat to US mainland

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North Korean leader Kim Jong-un supervised a test of a high-thrust solid-fuel engine for ICBMs, according to state media on Sunday. The engine, made of composite carbon fiber, reached a maximum thrust of 2,500 kilonewtons, an increase from a previous test in September. Kim stated the test aligns with the national strategy to modernize strategic forces and pledged to enhance defense capabilities. Analysts suggest the new engine, capable of lifting 255 tonnes, will likely be used in the Hwasong-20 ICBM. Experts note that if confirmed, this engine would rank among the most powerful globally, potentially rivaling the US Peacekeeper missile engine.

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Key Claims (5)

AI-Extracted

Kim said the exercise conforms with the national strategy for modernizing strategic forces.

quote — Kim Jong-un100% confidence

The engine produced a maximum thrust of 2,500 kilonewtons.

statistic — Korean Central News Agency (KCNA)100% confidence

North Korea tested a high-thrust solid-fuel engine for ICBMs.

factual — state media100% confidence

This engine would rank among the top globally.

quote — Hong Min, Korea Institute for National Unification90% confidence

The new engine has the thrust to lift a 255-tonne object.

factual — observers80% confidence

Claims are automatically extracted and should be independently verified. Attribution indicates the stated source of the claim.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Pyongyang 40% United States 40% Hong Min 50% US Peacekeeper 50% Hwasong-20 60% Korea Institute for National Unification 60% Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) 70% ICBM ×280% Kim Jong-un ×290% North Korea 95%

Keywords

missile engine 90% icbm 90% north korea 80% solid-fuel engine 70% high-thrust 60% strategic military power 60% kim jong-un 50% hwasong-20 50% defence capabilities 40%