North Korea Tests Advanced Solid-Fuel Engine

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has overseen a ground test of a high-power solid-fuel engine using carbon fiber composite materials, expressing satisfaction with the results. According to RTHK, the Korean Central News Agency reported that the upgraded engine boasts a maximum thrust of 2,500 kilonewtons, marking a 26% increase over the solid-fuel engine revealed in September of last year. This test is part of North Korea's new five-year defense development plan. Yonhap News Agency cited analysts suggesting that this engine might be used in the development of the Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile. North Korea's actions could be intended as a warning to the United States, indicating that its strategic capabilities differ from Iran's and should not be underestimated. Additionally, Kim Jong-un inspected a tank capability assessment test organized by the Defense Science Academy's Armored Weapons Research Institute. He noted that the test confirmed the new main battle tank's interception system, which is capable of countering nearly all existing anti-tank measures.