North Koreans are marking "missile industry day," a new national holiday announced earlier this month. And the country's neighbors are watching closely for what the regime's leaders may say, or do.

Officials in Pyongyang say Saturday's holiday is to commemorate the successful launch of a new intercontinental ballistic missile on November 18 last year.

The Hwasong-17 is said to be capable of reaching the entire US mainland.

Some observers say North Korea's state-run media could mark the date by heaping praise on leader Kim Jong Un. They also suggest the occasion could be used to generate loyalty.

North Korea is said to be currently developing solid-fuel missiles, which can be launched more quickly than those that run on liquids.

On Wednesday, Pyongyang said it had successfully conducted ground tests of an engine for a new intermediate-range ballistic missile that uses solid fuel.

And last December, North Korea claimed it had successfully tested a solid-fuel engine for an intercontinental ballistic missile.

Three days later, the North launched two ballistic missiles.