The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a US-based think tank, released a report on 20/8/2024 concerning North Korea’s missile capabilities. The report claims North Korea possesses 15 to 20 undeclared ballistic missile bases, maintenance and support facilities, and storage sites for missiles and warheads.
One such base, Sinpung-dong, is located approximately 27 km from the Chinese border. This facility appears capable of deploying six to nine nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and mobile launchers.
While CSIS has not yet determined the exact types of missiles stored at Sinpung-dong, it believes they include Hwasong-15s, Hwasong-18s, or a new, undisclosed ICBM model. "These missiles represent a potential threat to East Asia and the continental US," the report states.
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The alleged location of the Sinpung-dong base in a satellite image from 12/8. Photo: *Planet Labs* |
Situated in a narrow valley bisected by a stream, the Sinpung-dong base covers an area of approximately 22 square km. Construction began in 2004, and the base became operational 10 years later. Since then, it has been consistently maintained, upgraded, and expanded, reflecting advancements in North Korea's missile program.
According to CSIS, some facilities at the base are concealed by forest cover, making detection via satellite imagery difficult. An exception occurs during winter when vegetation is sparse, allowing for better observation.
CSIS explains: "In a crisis or conflict, missiles and launchers would be moved out of the base, paired with transporter erector launchers and warhead storage units, and then fired from pre-surveyed and dispersed launch sites."
The US think tank asserts that Sinpung-dong and similar bases are key elements of North Korea’s ballistic missile program, as well as its precision strike and strategic nuclear deterrent capabilities.
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North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspects a Hwasong-14 ICBM in a photo released in 2017. Photo: *KCNA* |
North Korean officials have not commented on the report.
A July 2024 report by the Federation of American Scientists stated North Korea possesses enough fissile material to produce 70 to 90 nuclear warheads and has already produced approximately 50 complete warheads.
Lee Sang-kyu, a nuclear technology expert at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses, estimates North Korea has 80 to 90 warheads using uranium and plutonium. He believes this number could increase to 166 by 2030.
North Korea possesses various missiles capable of reaching parts or all of the US. The Hwasong-18, one of its most powerful ICBMs, is estimated to have a range of 15,000 km at an optimal trajectory, sufficient to reach any location within the US. It can also carry one or more warheads with a total weight of 1.25 to 1.5 tons.
Pham Giang (*AFP, CNN*)
