Brigade-Level North Korean Missile Base Near North Korea-China Border Suspected to Host ICBMs

CSIS Report Reveals Hidden Sinpung-dong Missile Base
North Korea's 'Strategic Missile Belt'
Poses Nuclear Threat to East Asia and the U.S. Mainland

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a U.S. think tank, announced on August 20 (local time) that a missile base for intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launches has been established in Sinpung-dong, North Pyongan Province, near the border between North Korea and China.

Yonhap News

Beyond Parallel, a CSIS website specializing in Korean Peninsula issues, released a report introducing the North Korean Sinpung-dong missile base based on satellite images taken on July 11. The report described the base as consisting of an underground entrance, underground facilities, a command center, and support structures. It stated that the construction of the base took place between 2004 and 2014, and since then, the base may have undergone upgrades related to the development of intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs) and ICBMs. Jennifer Jun, a CSIS researcher, noted that North Korea appears to have made significant efforts to conceal this base, stating, "Sinpung-dong has been the most difficult missile base to locate so far."

The report analyzed that details about the models of ballistic missiles deployed at the Sinpung-dong base have not been confirmed. However, based on preliminary analysis of satellite imagery and other data, it is estimated that a brigade-level unit stationed there possesses six to nine Hwasong-15 and Hwasong-18 ICBMs capable of carrying nuclear warheads, or possibly a new, as-yet-unrevealed ICBM, as well as transporter erector launchers (TELs) and mobile erector launchers (MELs).

The report also assessed that, in the event of a contingency, these launchers and missiles would leave the base, make contact with warhead storage and transport units, and then carry out launch operations from pre-designated launch sites. It added, "The Sinpung-dong missile base, together with other undeclared strategic ballistic missile bases in North Korea such as Hoejung-ri, Sangnam-ri, and Yongnim, constitutes a core element of North Korea's evolving ballistic missile strategy and expanding nuclear deterrence and strike capabilities." The report pointed out that ballistic missiles located within North Korea's 'strategic missile belt,' including the Sinpung-dong base, could pose a potential nuclear threat to East Asia and the U.S. mainland.

It is estimated that North Korea operates approximately 15 to 20 ballistic missile bases. North Korea has never publicly disclosed any of its missile bases, and the issue of dealing with these bases has not been addressed during denuclearization negotiations between North Korea and the United States.