Pyongyang [North Korea], November 15: North Korea announced that it had successfully tested a new engine for a medium-range ballistic missile amid the US ratification of an agreement to sell interceptor missiles to South Korea.
North Korea's Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on November 15 that North Korea successfully tested a new type of engine using solid fuel for its new intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM).
The two-stage engine was tested on November 11 and 14 to evaluate its technical characteristics, "providing strong assurance to reliably promote the development of new IRBM systems".
North Korea declared that missile development is of great importance at a time when the country faces a serious and unstable security environment, along with military collusion between opponents.
The announcement was made after the US State Department on November 14 approved the agreement to sell SM-6 interceptor missiles and related equipment to South Korea . According to Yonhap, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency of the US Department of Defense announced the agreement, estimated to be worth 650 million USD.
Previously, South Korea offered to buy up to 38 SM-6 missiles equipped on warships, along with launch systems and related equipment. The US side said this agreement will improve South Korea's ability to respond to current and future threats, strengthening joint operations with the US and other allies. The agreement needs to be approved by the US Congress.
According to Yonhap, if the deal is successful, SM-6 missiles will be equipped on KDX-III destroyers with the Aegis defense system, expected to be deployed in the coming years. South Korea operates warships with Aegis systems and SM-2 missiles to guard against North Korean missiles but needs more advanced and long-range interceptor missiles. The SM-6 is manufactured by the American company Raytheon and has a range of up to 460 km.
In related information, Yonhap cited sources revealing that the US is preparing to deploy B-52 bombers to South Korea on November 15 to conduct exercises with its ally. Korean fighters will escort the US plane when it flies into airspace.
On October 17, this bomber capable of carrying nuclear bombs landed for the first time in South Korea. The exercise scheduled for November 15 will be the sixth joint exercise of the two allies this year with the participation of nuclear bombers.
During a security dialogue earlier this week, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin praised the B-52 landing in South Korea as a "milestone" for US deterrence efforts and revealed a carrier strike group. Flight will arrive soon. According to Yonhap sources, the US aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson is expected to dock at Busan port in Korea early next week.
The US's frequent deployment of symbolic weapons to South Korea this year is part of an effort to strengthen its security commitment to Seoul amid North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.
Source: ThanhNien Newspaper