North Korea's Kim Jong Un says engine test is 'new birth' of rocket industry
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The engine would help North Korea achieve world-class satellite launch capability, KCNA said, indicating the test was of a new type of rocket engine for long-range missiles.
North Korea has conducted five nuclear tests and a series of missile launches, in defiance of U.N. sanctions, and is believed by experts and government officials to be working to develop nuclear-warhead missiles that could reach the United States.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un provides field guidance at the construction site of Ryomyong Street in this undated picture provided by KCNA in Pyongyang on March 16, 2017. KCNA |
Kim Jong Un has said North Korea is close to a test-launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile.
KCNA said the test was carried out at the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground, where North Korea has conducted long-range rocket tests.
KCNA cited leader Kim as saying the significance of the test would soon be evident.
"He noted that the success made in the current test marked a great event of historic significance as it declared a new birth of the Juche-based rocket industry," KCNA said. Juche refers to North Korea's homegrown ideology of self-reliance.
"He emphasized that the whole world will soon witness what eventful significance the great victory won today carries," it said.