North Korea working on carbon-fibre ICBM for multi-warhead delivery, Seoul says

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illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Economic Times or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: North Korea is developing a carbon-fibre intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of carrying multiple warheads, according to intelligence shared with lawmakers in South Korea

🔭 The context: The development follows a March ground test of a new solid-fuel rocket engine, believed to power the next generation of North Korean long-range missiles
• Officials say the new engine likely delivers greater thrust than the version tested in 2024, which analysts already assessed as capable of reaching the mainland United States

Carbon-fibre composite materials make missile structures lighter but stronger, allowing the weapon to carry heavier payloads or potentially multiple nuclear warheads

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Advances in missile technology raise geopolitical tensions and increase the strategic capabilities of nuclear-armed states
• Greater payload capacity and multiple-warhead delivery systems (MIRV) could complicate global arms-control efforts and heighten regional security risks

⏭️ What’s next: The intelligence was disclosed after a briefing from National Intelligence Service
• Analysts expect further tests as North Korea continues developing more powerful missile systems despite longstanding United Nations Security Council sanctions banning such weapons programs

💬 One quote: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reportedly called the engine test “a significant upgrade to the country’s strategic forces.”

📈 One stat: The upgraded engine could exceed the thrust of the 2024 model already assessed as capable of striking anywhere in the U.S. mainland

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