North Korea's New Missile Engine: A Major Boost

0:00It's March 29. I'm Cory with the story, and this is Global News Today, your AI-powered world briefing. North Korea just tested a high-thrust solid-fuel engine designed for missiles that could hit the U.S. mainland. Kim Jong-un watched the ground jet test himself and called it a major boost to their strategic firepower, according to state media. This comes right after Kim's speech to parliament, where he vowed to lock in North Korea's nuclear power status for good. He blasted the U.S. for what he called global state terrorism, tying its attentions in the Middle East. The new engine packs 2,500 kilotons of thrust, a step up from about 1,971 kilotons in their last. Similar tests back in September, solid-fuel tech makes these missiles tougher to spot before launch compared to older liquid fuel ones. Experts think this upgrade ties into plans for multiple warheads on one missile to dodge U.S. defenses. It's all part of North Korea's 5-year push to sharpen their strike capabilities, building

1:01on years of ICBM tests showing mainland U.S. range. While some hurdles remain like warhead reentry, North Korea's ramped up since talks with the U.S. broke down, and Kim's signaled he's open to dialogue, without dropping their nukes first.