North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un attended the tests of new missiles, including an upgraded engine for its intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM).
North Korean state media reported on Sunday that Kim oversaw the tests of a new engine for its ICMB that generated significantly more thrust. He said, “The test [is] of great significance in putting the country’s strategic military muscle on the highest level fully conforms with the national strategy and the military demand for modernizing the strategic forces.”
Pyongyang claims to have an ICMB capable of carrying a nuclear warhead to the mainland US. Kim views North Korea’s nuclear weapons program as key to preventing Washington from attempting regime change in Pyongyang.
Additionally, Kim attended a test of the new North Korean MBT tank. He asserted the tank’s interceptor system can take out all anti-tank weapons.
Since President Donald Trump returned to office, Pyongyang declared it is no longer interested in reunification with South Korea or discussions with Seoul. Top North Korean officials say that Kim is open to talks with Trump if Washington drops its demand for North Korean denuclearization.
In recent years, Kim has focused on improving North Korea’s relationship with Russia and strengthening Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons program.
