North Korea has tested a rocket engine which is touted to be proof that the country has made remarkable progress in this field and can, now, look forward to building more weaponry in the form of powerful rockets and missiles.
New York Times reports that Pyongyang has announced the completion of the ground jet test of a new missile engine capable of generating high thrust. The event was hailed by Kim Jong-Un as one with historic significance and, in his words, this test was the beginning of a new era in history. He added that the world will have to agree that his country was making progress in this field.
South Korea does not dispute the claim
Referring to the claims of North Korea, Lee Jin-woo, spokesman at the Defense Ministry of South Korea admitted that Pyongyang had developed a rocket engine that was a more sophisticated one. From the test conducted, it is evident that there is progress in the function of the engine. He did not elaborate on whether the engine was for a rocket meant to put a satellite into orbit or for an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) but, said that the answer to such a question would need more analysis.
Kim Jong-Un wants his country to develop and launch different types of satellites that could carry rockets of larger capacity. Necessary work has been done to improve the infrastructure to handle more powerful rockets and these include renovation and expansion of the gantry tower and associated facilities at the launch site.
The stand of North Korea
There is a ban on North Korea imposed by the United Nations Security Council to launch satellites because it feels this is a cover for more sinister activities like developing an intercontinental ballistic missile. From available evidence it seems the test of the rocket engine was done from where Pyongyang put its satellite into orbit.
At that time, South Korea had said that, if modifications were introduced on the rocket used in the launch, it could travel more than 7,400 miles with a warhead of 1,100 to 1,300 pounds. That was an ominous sign because, given such a range, it could have access to most of the United States.
Ever since Kim Jong-Un came to power in 2011, North Korea has launched ballistic missiles in gross violation of resolutions by the United Nations Security Council.
In his New Year’s Day speech, the leader indicated that his country was preparing to conduct its first ICBM test.
Rex W. Tillerson, the U. S. Secretary of State, is in Seoul exploring all available options to thwart the designs of Pyongyang and, he has indicated the launch of possible pre-emptive military action, in case the situation demands it.
