North Korea Highly Encouraged Intensive Fuel Tests For ICBM Development, Directly Supervised Kim Jong-un

JAKARTA - North Korea has tested a "high thrust-fueled solid motor" which is overseen directly by the country's leader, Kim Jong-un, state media reported on Friday.

The test was carried out on Thursday at North Korea's Sohae Satellite Launch Field, the official KCNA news agency said.

KCNA added that static fire tests prove the reliability and stability of motors, providing "guarantee for the development of a new type of strategic weapons system."

Experts say the test appears to be aimed at developing a new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) given the engine thrust, which North Korea says is "the first of its kind" in the country.

North Korea has been working to build more solid-fueled missiles, which are more stable and could launch almost without warning or preparation time.

"They can be used for sudden launches and show better survival skills against enemy attacks, meaning North Korea is accelerating its push to develop stronger ICBMs and submarine-launched ballistic missiles," said Lim Eul-chul, a professor of North Korean studies at Kyungnam University in South Korea.

"We cannot rule out the possibility of North Korea testing the ICBM with a new solid-fuel rocket next year," he said.

Developing a solid-fuel ICBM is part of North Korea's five military tasks which were rolled out at its main party meeting last year.

After overseeing the test, Leader Kim said another "important issue in carrying out the five priority tasks" was successfully resolved, and expressed "the hope that other new-type strategic weapons will be created in the shortest possible time span," according to KCNA.

North Korea has carried out an unprecedented number of missile tests this year, including ICBMs capable of reaching US mainland, despite international bans and sanctions.

In March, Leader Kim visited the Sohae website and called for the expansion of facilities that have been used to test various missile technologies, including static rocket engines and space launch vehicles.

A new report by the US-based Center for International and Strategic Studies (CSIS) said commercial satellite imagery showed construction of what appeared to be a test ground for horizontal engines, describing it as "the first of its kind" at the Sohae station that would enhance the facility's capabilities.

The fuel test was carried out when International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi was in Seoul to hold talks with South Korean officials in which he promised to make every effort to stop North Korea's nuclear program.