Korean media: US CSIS: "North Korea builds an intercontinental ballistic missile base in Sinphong-dong near the China-North Korea border"
The U.S. think tank "The Center for Strategic and International Studies" (CSIS) released an analysis on the 20th local time, stating that North Korea is building a missile base at the Sinphong-dong area in Pyeongang North Province, which borders China, equipped with intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). The existence of the Sinphong-dong missile base was publicly disclosed for the first time.
The "Beyond Parallel" project under CSIS revealed in its latest report, based on commercial satellite images taken on July 11, the location of the underground entrance, underground facilities, and suspected command post and support unit buildings of the Sinphong-dong base. The report stated, "The Sinphong-dong missile base is of brigade size, and it was previously unknown to the outside world."
Regarding the specific weapons deployed, the report states that the model cannot be clearly confirmed, but based on satellite photos, the base may house 6 to 9 "Hwasong-15" or "Hwasong-18" intercontinental ballistic missiles, or an as-yet-unannounced new ICBM, as well as mobile launchers (TELs). The report analyzed, "Once entering combat, the TELs and missiles will move to predetermined launch locations to carry out missions," and "the Sinphong-dong base, along with other unreported strategic missile bases in Hwacheong-ni, Sangnam-ni, and Ryongnim, constitute the core elements of North Korea's evolving ballistic missile strategy and its expanding nuclear deterrence and strike capabilities."
CSIS estimates that North Korea currently operates about 15 to 20 ballistic missile bases. However, during the 2018-2019 negotiations between North Korea and the United States, the issue of missile bases did not become a central topic, and only the closure of the Tongchon-ri Seohae Satellite Launching Ground in Pyeongang North Province's Chodong County was discussed at that time.
Nevertheless, according to the reactions of the South Korean military and experts, the Sinphong-dong base may not be the most advanced ICBM base. CSIS analyzes that the base was built between 2004 and 2014, and the "Hwasong-15" possibly deployed there is an earlier model of intercontinental ballistic missile that relies on liquid fuel. Based on this, the Sinphong-dong base is more likely to be a facility for testing the performance of ICBM propulsion systems or developing intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs).
Source: JoongAng Daily
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1841066004893708/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author."