KCNA said the new high-thrust solid‑fuel engine had a maximum thrust of 2,500 kilonewtons and that the ground ​test formed part of a new five-year defence development plan aimed ​at upgrading the country’s strategic strike capabilities.

Kim was quoted as ⁠saying the test was of major significance for modernising North Korea’s strategic forces.

North ​Korea has in recent months stepped up a series of weapons demonstrations and ​military inspections, highlighting efforts to modernise both its conventional forces and its missile arsenal despite international sanctions.

In separate reports, KCNA said Kim also inspected a special operations forces training ​base, stressing the need for intense peacetime training to prepare for modern warfare, ​and outlined plans to reorganise the country’s special operations units.

Kim also attended tests of a ‌new ⁠main battle tank, with KCNA quoting him as claiming its active protection system was capable of intercepting nearly all existing anti-tank weapons and that the tank was unmatched globally.

At a rare ruling party congress held in February, Kim unveiled ​a new five-year plan ​that reaffirmed continued ⁠development of nuclear weapons, while calling for a broad upgrade of the country’s military capabilities.

The country has focused in ​particular on solid-fuel missile technology, which analysts say allows for faster ​launch preparation ⁠and greater survivability compared with liquid-fuel systems.

Analysts and regional governments also pointed to new tank and combined-arms drills as part of Pyongyang’s effort to adapt its ⁠military doctrine ​to modern warfare, drawing lessons from recent ​conflicts and emphasising integration across ground and missile forces.

South Korea and the United States say they are closely monitoring ​North Korea’s weapons development.