North Korea is set to increase production of solid-fuel rocket engines and warhead tips, state media report. The US has just praised the North for refraining from provocations amid drills in the region with ally South Korea.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un ordered production to be boosted while inspecting a chemical institute on Wednesday, KCNA state media and Rodong Sinmun report. He wants the facility “to produce more solid-fuel rocket engines and rocket warhead tips by further expanding engine production process and the production capacity of rocket warhead tips and engine jets, ” according to North Korean media, citing Kim Jong-un.
The media released photos of Kim visiting the plant and examining the manufacturing process. Some pictures reportedly feature “one or possibly two new missiles, ” according to AP. After analyzing the diagrams hanging on a wall behind the leader, the agency reported that they were related to the Pukguksong-3 missile, “which appears to be the latest in its Pukguksong, or Polaris, series.” The other rocket “was harder to discern, though it carried a ‘Hwasong,’ or Mars, designation, ” AP reports .
The announcement nearly coincided with US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson praising Pyongyang’s restraint. North Korea has not launched any missiles since two July tests.
“I respect the fact that he is starting to respect us, ” Trump said, referring to Kim Jong-un.
