Solid-State ICBM Motor Tested Successfully

North Korea has reportedly reached another milestone in its development of long-range, nuclear-capable missiles, reports NK News, citing North Korean state media.

A Dec. 15 test at the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground in northwestern North Korea met the design goals for elements of "the five top-priority tasks in the field of strategic weapons," established at the January 2021 party congress, according to the Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea.

This language suggests that a new solid-fuel motor involved in the test is intended for nuclear weapon systems, analysts said.

Solid-state propellant would allow North Korea to more quickly launch its ballistic missiles, potentially faster than any pre-emptive strike.