A recently uncovered North Korean missile base, located near the Chinese border, has sparked concerns about the country’s expanding nuclear capabilities, according to a new report.
The Sinpung-dong missile operating base, situated just 27 kilometers from China in North Pyongan province, is believed to store up to nine intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of carrying nuclear warheads, along with their mobile launchers.
The base, which has not been publicly acknowledged by North Korea, is part of a broader network of undeclared missile facilities, raising questions about the nation’s strategic intentions.
The Sinpung-dong base, operational since 2014, spans 22 square kilometers and is strategically positioned in a narrow mountain valley, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
Its proximity to China could complicate military responses from other nations, as any action against the base risks affecting the neighboring country.
The report suggests that the base may house advanced missiles, such as the Hwasong-15 or Hwasong-18 ICBMs, capable of reaching East Asia and potentially the United States.
Mobile launchers at the facility allow missiles to be moved and fired from various locations, making them harder to detect during crises.
North Korea’s missile program has seen significant advancements under leader Kim Jong Un, despite international sanctions limiting access to materials and technology.
The country has intensified its weapons development since a failed 2019 summit with the United States, with Kim recently calling for a “rapid expansion” of nuclear capabilities.
The CSIS report indicates that Sinpung-dong is one of an estimated 15 to 20 undeclared missile bases, forming what it describes as North Korea’s “missile belt.”
This network underscores the country’s focus on enhancing its nuclear deterrence and strike capabilities, further complicating diplomatic efforts for denuclearization.
The discovery of the Sinpung-dong base highlights North Korea’s ongoing defiance of United Nations sanctions and its growing military ties with Russia, particularly since the Ukraine conflict began.
The base’s concealed facilities, partially hidden by vegetation, reflect efforts to evade satellite detection.
As North Korea continues to develop its arsenal, estimated to include 40 to 50 nuclear warheads, the international community faces increased challenges in addressing the potential threat to regional and global security posed by these advancements.