North Korea Possibly Conducts Missile Launch Test at Sinpo Shipyard

38 North, Satellite Image Analysis and Claims

Status of Sinpo South Shipyard as of April 5, released by 38 North.

There is an analysis suggesting that North Korea recently conducted a model missile launch test at the Sinpo South Shipyard.

On the 8th (local time), the U.S.-based North Korea specialist media '38 North' analyzed commercial satellite images of the Sinpo Shipyard taken on the 5th and stated, "The missile maintenance launch tower on the launch test stand appears to have moved backward from its original position," adding, "Four unidentified objects are arranged on the shock-absorbing buffer zone west of the test stand, which suggests that a launch test may have just taken place."

Photos released by 38 North show movement of cylindrical canisters and related equipment necessary for the launch test. Two vehicles, a trailer, and a small crane are also confirmed to be nearby.

38 North said, "The purpose of this test cannot be confirmed," but estimated that "it appears to be a test to verify the reliability of the product." However, it added that it is unknown whether the test has been completed or if additional tests are planned.

38 North also presented satellite images of a submarine shelter, reporting that although it is barely visible due to shading, the bow of a Sinpo-class ballistic missile submarine and a barge mooring a small submarine were observed.

The Sinpo Shipyard is also known as the place where North Korea constructs ballistic missile submarines.

At the end of last year, North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un announced a "shocking actual action" in a report at the Workers' Party plenary meeting. Experts predict that there could be provocations involving a new submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) or a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.