tech
North Korea tests missile that it claims can target U.S. mainland
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed a test of an upgraded solid-fuel engine for weapons capable of reaching the U.S. mainland, and called it a significant development boosting his country's strategic military arsenal, state media reported Sunday.
TL;DR
- Kim Jong Un oversaw a test of an upgraded solid-fuel engine for weapons capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.
- Solid-fuel engines are easier to move and conceal launches compared to liquid-fuel weapons.
- The engine's thrust has increased since a previous test in September.
- Some experts suggest North Korea's claims may be exaggerated or involve 'bluffing' due to missing key information.
- Past claims of successful missile tests have been met with skepticism or dismissed as deception.
- The development is part of North Korea's five-year arms build-up to upgrade 'strategic strike means'.
- Potential applications include smaller ICBMs launched from submarines or mobile trucks, and missiles with multiple warheads.