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A previously unidentified North Korean missile base capable of hosting long-range systems, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) that could strike the continental United States, has been identified. This news was reported by a new analysis based on open-source satellite imagery.
Despite UN sanctions, North Korea continues to test sophisticated intermediate- and ICBMs. The program has heightened tensions with South Korea and prompted increased security cooperation between the U.S. and Japan. North Korea cites these moves as provocations for advancing its missile and nuclear programs.
The hardened base is located in a valley near Sinpung-dong, north of Pyongyang, about 17 miles from the Chinese border. It would expand a network of 15 to 20 undeclared ballistic-missile bases and related facilities. According to an analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), construction began around 2004 with major work largely complete by 2014.
Key features include barracks, underground facilities, and two hardened drive-through missile checkout bays where launchers can undergo maintenance and arming. The shelters are concealed under tree and brush cover, large enough to accommodate all known transport erector launcher types and multi-vehicle mobile erector launcher systems for rapid deployment.
During crises or wars, these launchers and missiles will exit the base, meet special warhead storage/transportation units, and conduct operations from dispersed pre-surveyed sites. CSIS assessed the garrison as a brigade-size unit with three missile-firing battalions and six to nine nuclear-capable ICBMs like the Hwasong-15 or Hwasong-18.
The site lacks fixed air-defense positions but is within 9 miles of a surface-to-air missile site and four air-defense artillery batteries. The resident unit likely fields light antiaircraft guns and shoulder-fired air-defense missiles, according to CSIS.
Victor Cha, the Korea chair at CSIS, stated: “North Korea puts these missile bases near the Chinese border to make it harder for the U.S. to contemplate taking them out.”
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un emphasized the need for a more robust nuclear force during a speech commemorating a new tactical ballistic missile system on August 4, 2024.
Satellite imagery shows ongoing development at the site.
