North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the final test of a high-thrust solid-fuel engine built for the regime’s next generation of long-range missiles, state media reported Tuesday. The move, hailed by Kim as a breakthrough, is raising concern among regional powers as Pyongyang tightens military cooperation with Beijing and Moscow.

North Korea’s Missile Push Ahead of Key Anniversary

The carbon-fiber solid-fuel engine generated nearly 2,000 kilonewtons of thrust during its ninth and final test, according to state media. Officials said the system will power the Hwasong-19 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and pave the way for the future Hwasong-20. The timing, just days before the 77th anniversary of North Korea’s founding, underscores Pyongyang’s habit of showcasing military advances on symbolic dates.

Regional Tensions and China-Russia Links

The test followed Kim’s rare overseas trip to China, where he met President Xi Jinping and Russia’s foreign minister. Both Beijing and Moscow have in recent months expanded strategic cooperation with Pyongyang, complicating U.S.-led efforts to isolate North Korea diplomatically. Analysts say the appearance of trilateral coordination signals a loosening of sanctions pressure and greater room for Pyongyang to accelerate weapons programs.

Implications for the U.S. and Allies

Solid-fuel technology allows missiles to be launched faster and with less detection risk compared to liquid-fuel designs. This evolution makes it harder for South Korea, Japan, and U.S. forces in the region to pre-empt launches. Washington condemned the test, calling it a violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions. Military experts warn that once fully deployed, these engines could extend the range of North Korea’s arsenal to cover the U.S. mainland, bolstering its nuclear deterrent.

Broader Nuclear Strategy

North Korea unveiled its first solid-fuel ICBM, the Hwasong-18, in 2023, touting it as a “game changer.” The new engine marks the regime’s shift toward fielding a second-generation nuclear strike force. Kim described the program as key to guaranteeing the country’s “sovereign right to defense,” a message aimed at both domestic audiences and foreign adversaries