Missile threat

North Korea Says It Successfully Tested New Rocket Engine

North Korea said it had successfully tested a high-powered rocket engine for launching satellites, elevating concerns it is making progress in developing a long-range ballistic missile.

The description of the new engine matched that of a rocket booster the U.S. has alleged Pyongyang was collaborating on with Iran, experts said, indicating the North Korean technology might be shared with Tehran.

South Korea’s defense ministry said its assessment was that the engine tested could be used for a long-range missile.

Pyongyang’s official Korean Central News Agency reported Tuesday that dictator Kim Jong Un had guided the ground test of an engine with 80 tons of thrust at the main space research center in North Korea’s far northwest. The date of the test wasn’t given but North Korean media typically report on Mr. Kim’s activities the following day.

The test was successful, the report said, providing a “firm scientific and technological guarantee” for North Korea’s plan to launch more satellites.