North Korea is likely to have activated the newer intercontinental ballistic missile engine in a "very important" test in Sohae, according to experts.

North Korean media said on Saturday that it had just completed a "very important test" at the Sohae satellite launch site (also known as Dongchang-ri), saying the action "would have a significant impact on changing Korea's strategic position ".

The Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Joint Forces (JCS) yesterday said no objects had been launched from Sohae recently, prompting analysts to believe that North Korea has just tested a new engine for heavy-duty boosters or names. intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Sohae is the development site of North Korea's satellite and ICBM boosters.

The country has successfully tried engines with great thrust at Sohae in March 2017. This engine was later used on the Hwasong-14 and Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missiles, allowing North Korea to threaten every target on American territory.

"The satellite image shows the vehicles and objects that appeared at Sohae on December 7 to conduct the test. The majority of them disappeared on December 8, while the ground seemed to be plowed by fairways." exhaust from rocket engine, "commented Jeffrey Lewis, a scholar at Middlebury International Research Institute in the US, commenting on satellite images from Planet Labs.

Experts say that during this test, North Korea may have either activated an entirely new solid fuel engine or tested an upgraded variant of the ICBM engine using liquid fuel. "Dongchang-ri test site has only liquid fuel testing infrastructure," an unnamed South Korean military source said.

Pyongyang has sought to equip solid-fuel engines for missiles on staff. "Solid-fuel bullets have a short preparation time, which makes it very difficult for the enemy to detect and deal with. It also simplifies the operation and maintenance process, limiting the dangers that often accompany missiles. use liquid fuel, "military expert Tyler Rogoway commented.

Advancing the ICBM engine could be a warning from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un that the country is considering long-range missile launch. The move, along with a series of short-range weapons tests and tough statements from recent North Korean officials, is believed to be a sign that Pyongyang is losing patience in its policy with Washington.

"North Korea still avoids testing long-range missiles. However, it is seeking to upgrade its engines and precision to pose a reliable nuclear threat," said Leif-Eric Easleu, associate professor of engineering. at Ewha University in Seoul, South Korea, said.