US CSIS Detects Signs of SLBM Test Launch Preparations at North Korea's Sinpo Shipyard

Re-detected in Satellite Images After Five Days Since the 4th
May Reveal New Strategic Weapons Beyond Nuclear and Missiles

On the 9th (local time), a satellite image of the Sinpo Shipyard in South Hamgyong Province, North Korea, was released by Joseph Bermudez, a senior researcher at the U.S. think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Researcher Bermudez stated that activities suggesting preparations for a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) test launch by North Korea were detected through the satellite image. [Image source=Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Airbus]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Claims have emerged once again from the U.S. think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) that activities suggesting preparations for a test launch of a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) have been detected at North Korea's Sinpo Shipyard in South Hamgyong Province. Observations continue to suggest that North Korea may unveil new strategic weapons to pave the way for negotiations with the United States.

Joseph Bermudez, a senior researcher at CSIS, wrote on the North Korea-focused site "Beyond Parallel" on the 9th (local time), stating, "Satellite images obtained on this day show ongoing activities inside or near the ship security zone at Sinpo Shipyard," adding, "While this activity is not conclusive, it suggests preparations for the launch of the new SLBM, the Pukguksong-3." North Korea announced last October that it had successfully test-launched the Pukguksong-3 as part of efforts to deter external threats and strengthen its right to self-defense.

Earlier, on the 4th, Bermudez noted that one of several vessels docked within the ship security zone at Sinpo Shipyard resembled a tugboat used to pull out the existing underwater launch test barge, indicating preparations for a test. He mentioned that the same vessel was spotted in the recent satellite images and added, "An unidentified vehicle that appears to be a crane is visible at the pier where the Sinpo-class experimental ballistic missile submarine (SSBA) and the underwater test barge are docked." He continued, "A yellow trailer or truck about 12 meters long is also at the same pier," suggesting, "This could be part of construction equipment or a trailer transporting missile containers." Although the Sinpo-class SSBA is not visible to the naked eye, he estimated it is docked along the pier under a tent installed to restrict vertical observation.

Meanwhile, Marcus Garloskas, former North Korea intelligence officer at the U.S. Director of National Intelligence (DNI), said during a virtual discussion hosted by the U.S. Institute for Peace that North Korea appears ready to conduct nuclear and weapons tests in the near future. He stated, "Another factor we need to consider is that additional weapons tests are probably just a matter of time," citing North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un’s declaration that he would no longer be bound by the moratorium on nuclear and missile tests and his threat to unveil new strategic weapons. He added, "The U.S. should prioritize efforts to halt North Korea’s weapons testing, and such efforts could provide another opportunity for diplomacy."

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