DPRK orders producing more rocket engines, warhead tips

World
Europe

Kim Jong Un, leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), ordered the production of more solid-fuel rocket engines and rocket warhead tips, KCNA, the state media said on Wednesday.

Kim was briefed about the process of manufacturing intercontinental ballistic missile warhead tips and solid-fuel rocket engines during his tour of the Chemical Material Institute of the Academy of Defence Science, KCNA said.

The manufacturing process included carbon fiber weaving, chemical deposition, and high pressure liquid deposition, KCNA said.

"He instructed the institute 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 by carbon/carbon compound material," KCNA said.

Kim Jong Un visits the Command of the Strategic Force of the Korean People's Army (KPA) in DPRK in this undated photo released by KCNA on Aug. 15, 2017. /Reuters Photo

The KCNA report said Kim had given "special thanks and special bonus" to officials of the institute, calling them heroes.

US became positive on DPRK

The report about Kim's visit to a chemical institute came not long after US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson appeared to make a peace overture to Pyongyang, welcoming what he called the recent restraint shown by the DPRK.

DPRK has conducted two nuclear tests and dozens of missile tests since the start of last year, significantly raising tensions on the heavily militarized Korean Peninsula. Two tests of intercontinental ballistic missiles in July resulted in a new round of tougher global sanctions.

The last missile test on July 28 put the US mainland in range, prompting heated exchanges that raised fears of a new conflict on the peninsula.

File photo of US President Donald Trump /Reuters Photo‍

Tillerson, however, noted what he called the restraint the DPRK had shown lately and said on Tuesday he hoped a path could be opening for dialogue some time in the near future.

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday his aggressive rhetoric towards DPRK was beginning to bear fruit and that Kim Jong Un had started to "respect" the US.

"Some people said it was too strong. It's not strong enough," he told a gathering of thousands of supporters at a campaign style rally in Phoenix, Arizona.

"But Kim Jong Un, I respect the fact that I believe he is starting to respect us. I respect that fact very much. And maybe, probably not, but maybe something positive can come about. They won't tell you that. But maybe something positive can come about," he added.

Joint drill going on by South Korea and the US

South Korea and the US are conducting their annual joint drills involving computer simulations of a possible war on the Korean Peninsula, exercises that the DPRK routinely describes as preparation for invasion. The drills started on Monday and will run through to Aug. 31.

South Korea will also conduct a voluntary civil defense drill across the country later on Wednesday.

809km

Source(s): AFP ,Reuters