North Korean leader kim jong un An advanced solid-fuel rocket engine was ground tested, state media reported on Sunday, signaling the country’s continued effort to strengthen its weapons program. The Korean Central News Agency reported that the test was part of a new five-year national defense plan.In photos released by KCNA, Kim is seen inspecting parts of the engine with officials. Another image shows flames coming out of an engine mounted on the ground during testing.

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Solid-fuel engines are important because they allow missiles to be launched more quickly with less preparation time. According to KCNA, the latest engine, made of composite carbon fiber, produced 2,500 kilonewtons of thrust. This is the first confirmed high-thrust solid-fuel engine test since September last year, when a similar engine produced a low thrust of 1,971 kilonewtons.According to KCNA, Kim said developing the high-thrust engine “is in line with the national strategy and military demand for the modernization of strategic forces”. He also said the country’s defense capabilities have entered “an important phase of transformation” as it builds its strategic forces.

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Analysts say this development points to bigger ambitions. Hong Min of the Korea Institute for National Unification told AFP the test showed North Korea’s “determination to acquire missiles capable of striking targets around the world.” The goal suggested is to create missiles with global range and the ability to overcome defense systems with increased thrust, he said.Min further said that North Korea may plan to use such engines in intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) it is developing. “Given the increased maximum thrust, this indicates its intention to have ICBMs with global strike range as well as the ability to defeat missile defense systems,” he said.