29.03.2026 08:30
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un participated in the test of a solid-fuel rocket engine with high thrust, reviewed special forces training, and examined a new main battle tank. KCNA announced that these steps are part of a five-year plan aimed at strengthening the country's strategic strike capabilities. While the U.S. and South Korea closely monitor developments, the Pyongyang administration continues to modernize both missile and conventional forces.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un participated in the test of a new solid-fuel rocket engine while also inspecting special forces training and the new main battle tank on-site. The Pyongyang administration stated that these steps are part of the goal to strengthen the country's strategic strike capacity.
NEW ENGINE WITH HIGH THRUST POWER TESTED
According to North Korean state media KCNA, the solid-fuel rocket engine developed with carbon fiber materials successfully passed ground testing. The engine, which is said to have a maximum thrust of 2,500 kilonewtons, was reported to have been developed as part of the country's five-year defense plan. Kim Jong-un emphasized that the test is of "great importance" in terms of modernizing strategic forces.
SPECIAL FORCES AND NEW TANK ON THE FIELD
KCNA also reported that Kim visited a training base belonging to special operations forces and emphasized intense training in preparation for modern warfare. In this context, it was noted that the restructuring of special units is on the agenda.
It was also reported that Kim participated in the tests of the newly developed main battle tank. While it was claimed that the tank's active protection system could neutralize a large portion of existing anti-tank weapons, Kim asserted that this tank has "no equal in the world."
EMPHASIS ON MODERNIZATION IN NUCLEAR AND CONVENTIONAL POWER
North Korea is focusing on developing both missile technology and conventional military capacity through recent weapon tests and military exercises. In particular, solid-fuel missile technology is considered to provide faster launch and higher survivability advantages.
In the five-year plan announced at the Workers' Party congress held in February, the goals of continuing the nuclear weapons program and comprehensively modernizing the army were reaffirmed.
US AND SOUTH KOREA MONITORING CLOSELY
The US and South Korea announced that they are closely monitoring North Korea's increasing weapon tests and military activities. Experts evaluate the recent moves of the Pyongyang administration as an effort to adapt to modern warfare doctrines and integrate different military elements.