North Korea completes ground testing of a powerful carbon-fiber composite engine, paving the way for imminent Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile trials
North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, personally supervised the ninth and final ground test of a high-thrust solid-fuel rocket engine on September 8, marking a decisive step toward deploying a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
The engine, constructed with advanced carbon-fiber composite materials, generates nearly two thousand kilonewtons of thrust—surpassing previous models and positioning Pyongyang for rapid and mobile missile launch capability.
Solid-fuel propulsion offers a strategic advantage over legacy liquid-fuel systems, allowing for swift deployment and reduced vulnerability to pre-launch detection.
Analysts note its readiness potential enables missile deployment within minutes rather than hours.
State media described the test as ushering in a “significant change in expanding and strengthening the nuclear strategic forces,” and confirmed the engine is slated for use in both the already tested Hwasong-19 and the next-generation Hwasong-20, which awaits its inaugural flight.
This technological milestone follows Kim’s recent visit to Beijing and his appearance alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a major military parade.
Analysts interpret that occasion as an affirmation of renewed strategic ties, and the subsequent engine test as a manifestation of Pyongyang’s resumed confidence in advancing its weapons programme.
Observers anticipate that North Korea may conduct a full test-launch of the new ICBM by year’s end—possibly ahead of a major ruling party congress in early 2026, where Kim is expected to outline fresh domestic and foreign policy directives.
This development signals a notable acceleration in North Korea’s missile capability, combining enhanced engine technology with heightened diplomatic backing from its foremost allies.
The engine, constructed with advanced carbon-fiber composite materials, generates nearly two thousand kilonewtons of thrust—surpassing previous models and positioning Pyongyang for rapid and mobile missile launch capability.
Solid-fuel propulsion offers a strategic advantage over legacy liquid-fuel systems, allowing for swift deployment and reduced vulnerability to pre-launch detection.
Analysts note its readiness potential enables missile deployment within minutes rather than hours.
State media described the test as ushering in a “significant change in expanding and strengthening the nuclear strategic forces,” and confirmed the engine is slated for use in both the already tested Hwasong-19 and the next-generation Hwasong-20, which awaits its inaugural flight.
This technological milestone follows Kim’s recent visit to Beijing and his appearance alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a major military parade.
Analysts interpret that occasion as an affirmation of renewed strategic ties, and the subsequent engine test as a manifestation of Pyongyang’s resumed confidence in advancing its weapons programme.
Observers anticipate that North Korea may conduct a full test-launch of the new ICBM by year’s end—possibly ahead of a major ruling party congress in early 2026, where Kim is expected to outline fresh domestic and foreign policy directives.
This development signals a notable acceleration in North Korea’s missile capability, combining enhanced engine technology with heightened diplomatic backing from its foremost allies.
