North Korea has tested a “high-thrust solid-fuel motor”, state media reported on Friday, as the country seeks to develop a new strategic weapon and speeds up its nuclear and missile programmes. The test, overseen by leader Kim Jong Un, was conducted on Thursday at North Korea’s Sohae Satellite Launching Ground, the official KCNA news agency said.

The static firing test proved the motor’s reliability and stability, providing a “guarantee for the development of another new-type strategic weapon system”, KCNA added.

Experts say the test appears aimed at developing a new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) given the thrust of the engine, which the North said was “the first of its kind” in the country.

Source: VOV5