North Korea tests missile that it claims can target U.S. mainland

Key Points:

• North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed a test of an upgraded solid-fuel missile engine capable of reaching the U.S. mainland, calling it a significant advancement in the country's strategic military capabilities, according to state media.
• The tested engine reportedly has a maximum thrust of 2,500 kilonewtons, an increase from the 1,970 kilonewtons of a previous engine tested in September, though independent verification and key technical details like combustion time remain undisclosed.
• Experts express skepticism about North Korea’s claims, suggesting possible exaggeration or delays in solid-fuel engine development, potentially involving Russian assistance amid deepening military cooperation between the two countries.
• Solid-fuel engines would enhance North Korea’s missile agility and concealment, enabling smaller intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) possibly capable of carrying multiple warheads, which could improve the chances of penetrating U.S. missile defenses.
• Despite recent missile tests and displays, some foreign analysts note North Korea still faces technological challenges, such as warhead survivability during atmospheric reentry, while the regime continues to expand its nuclear arsenal following stalled diplomacy with the U.S. since 2019.