North Korea has just tested a rocket engine again

North Korea has tested a rocket engine that US officials say is part of its intercontinental ballistic missile development program.

Leader Kim Jong-un of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Photo: Reuters

According to Reuters news agency, this test follows another test earlier this month, and is another sign of Pyongyang's ambitions in developing advanced weapons.

This information also appeared in the context of the US side being increasingly concerned about other nuclear and missile tests, which are likely to take place in the near future.

North Korea's latest rocket engine test took place last Friday night and the engine could be used for an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), US officials said on March 27.

Earlier this month, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said Pyongyang had conducted a test of a new engine at its Tongchang-ri rocket launch site, calling it the “birth” of the country’s missile industry.

At the time, North Korean state media said the new engine could achieve world-class satellite launch capabilities, suggesting it could be a new type of rocket engine for long-range missiles.

If fully developed, a North Korean ICBM could threaten the United States, which is about 9,000 kilometers away.

ICBMs have a minimum range of about 5,500 km, but are designed to be capable of reaching 10,000 km or further.

North Korea has conducted five nuclear tests and multiple ballistic missile launches, in violation of UN resolutions.

The Trump administration is still weighing its options for dealing with North Korea, but appears to be leaning toward less risky options than preemptive military strikes.

According to Tuoi Tre