North Korea tests high-powered engine for new missile.

According to AFP, the North Korean central news agency (KCNA) reported on March 29 that leader Kim Jong-un had directed an underground test of an upgraded rocket engine, marking another significant milestone in the country's weapons development program.

Kim Jong-un hailed this as a pivotal step in strengthening the nation's strategic military capabilities.

Defense experts believe that North Korea is planning to use solid-fuel rocket engines for launching intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). The advantage of this type of engine is that it allows for faster deployment, as it requires very little preparation and refueling time before ignition.

KCNA said the latest test was "part of the national defense development plan under the new five-year plan," but did not disclose details about the specific time and location.

This is the first officially confirmed test of a high-thrust solid-fuel engine since September 2025 – the time when the previous generation engine reached a maximum thrust of 1,971 kilonewtons. In this report, KCNA claims the new engine has achieved a significantly higher thrust level, up to 2,500 kilonewtons.

Speaking to AFP, Hong Min, an analyst at the Korea National Unification Institute, commented: "This development demonstrates North Korea's determination to possess missiles capable of striking any target." He added: "With the increase in maximum thrust, Pyongyang clearly demonstrates its ability to neutralize missile defense systems."

Leader Kim Jong-un once asserted that North Korea's defense capabilities had entered "a crucial turning point" in the process of building its strategic forces.

In a separate report, KCNA also reported that Kim Jong-un visited a special forces training base. There, he inspected military drills. KCNA stated that the demonstration "showcased the physical and technical capabilities of 'steel fist' warriors ready to take on 100 opponents."