North Korea conducts major ICBM test

• Kim Jong Un tested a “high-thrust solid-fuel motor” for a new strategic weapon.
• “Static fire” of a missile engine at North Korea’s northwest rocket launch complex was a first.
• The test “guaranteed the development of a new-type strategic weapon system.

Kim Jong Un tested a “high-thrust solid-fuel motor” for a new strategic weapon, state television said Friday. This might give him a more mobile, harder-to-detect arsenal of intercontinental ballistic missiles that can reach the U.S. mainland.

“Static fire” of a missile engine at North Korea‘s northwest rocket launch complex was a first, KCNA stated. The test “guaranteed the development of a new-type strategic weapon system,” it stated.

Kim complimented scientists and technicians for the test, adding he expected the new weapon to be developed “soon.”

North Korea likely refers to a solid-fueled ICBM, which Kim threatened to showcase during a Workers’ Party congress last year. Multi-warhead missiles, underwater-launched nuclear missiles, and spy satellites are all on Kim’s list.

The latest motor test revealed that North Korea is committed to carry out Kim’s vows to create sophisticated weapons systems despite internal problems and U.S.-led international efforts to halt its nuclear program. North Korea has tested a barrage of nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, including its longest-range liquid-fueled Hwasong-17 ICBM last month.

Some experts predict North Korea will use an increased arsenal to demand sanctions relief from the U.S.

“We’d been anticipating this test. Large-diameter, solid propellant rocket motors will allow North Korea to deploy larger submarine-launched missiles and more survivable and responsive intercontinental-range ballistic missiles, an expert says.

Solid propellant missiles are fueled at the time of manufacture and may be released more swiftly in a fight, Panda said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if they did further testing and development before flight-testing.”

Solid-fuel rockets are pre-loaded with fuel, which shortens launch preparation periods, increases the weapon’s mobility, and makes it difficult for outsiders to detect what’s happening before liftoff. North Korea’s arsenal of short-range, solid-fueled ballistic missiles targets South Korea, particularly U.S. bases.

KCNA stated Thursday’s test was meant to validate the motor’s “thrust vector controlling technology” and that all technical indices demonstrated its dependability and stability.

Analysts say the technology allows rockets to maneuver by gimbaling exhaust nozzles based on North Korea’s test photos.

It’s a more advanced type of thrust vectoring than one employed on the North’s shorter-range solid motor missiles, says Joseph Dempsey of the International Institute for Strategic Studies. More efficient gimbaled nozzles may increase range, but they’re better for ICBMs.

Dempsey said testing a gimbaled nozzle could be a step toward North Korea’s solid-motor ICBM aim. What further technological obstacles remain and when a flight test will occur are unknown.

The North’s assertion was unprovable. It’s more difficult to develop huge solid-fueled motors than liquid-fueled ones, said Chang Young-keun, a missile researcher at Korea Aerospace University.

Chang said the North may test-fire a solid-fueled ICBM in the first half of next year if its motor test went as planned.

If North Korea builds a submarine-launched ICBM, it will have a menacing secondary retaliation attack capability against the U.S.

All of North Korea’s intercontinental ballistic missile tests in recent years have been conducted at a steep angle to avoid surrounding countries.

Given North Korea’s long nuclear program, some experts believe it already has nuclear-tipped missiles that can target the entire U.S. Others claim the country is years away from acquiring such weapons since it hasn’t proven it can safeguard warheads from atmospheric reentry.

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