North Korea Launches Short-Range Ballistic Missiles from 'Submarine Base' Sinpo... Flies 140km

by Kim Jinyeong

Published 19 Apr.2026 11:24(KST)

According to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, North Korea launched several short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea from the area around Sinpo, South Hamgyong Province, at approximately 6:10 a.m. on April 19. The detected North Korean missiles reportedly flew about 140 kilometers.

South Korean and U.S. authorities are conducting a detailed analysis to determine the exact specifications. Since the launch originated from Sinpo, where a submarine base is located, there is speculation that the missiles could be submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). Previously, the “Kim Gun Ok Hero Ship,” which was launched in September 2023 as North Korea’s first tactical nuclear attack submarine, and the “8.24 Hero Ship,” which had previously launched SLBMs, were also observed in Sinpo.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed the test launches of two strategic cruise missiles and three anti-ship missiles from the destroyer Choe Hyon Ho on the 12th, according to a report by Korean Central Television on the 14th. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

If the missiles launched this time are confirmed to be SLBMs, it would be North Korea’s first SLBM launch in about four years, since May 7, 2022. However, the range is shorter than the SLBM launched at that time, which flew 600 kilometers.

The military authorities are carrying out a detailed analysis, considering the possibility that the missiles were launched from a submarine, from land, or that both methods were used in a mixed launch.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff stated, “South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities have been monitoring the launch activity,” adding, “South Korea, the U.S., and Japan have been closely sharing information related to North Korean ballistic missiles.” The statement continued, “Our military is closely watching various North Korean movements under a robust combined defense posture with the U.S., while maintaining the capability and readiness to overwhelmingly respond to any provocation.”

This latest ballistic missile provocation comes 11 days after North Korea’s previous launch on April 8. There is analysis that North Korea’s continued missile launches serve as a show of force to keep the upcoming U.S.-China summit, scheduled for mid-May, in check, as the Korean Peninsula issue is expected to be discussed. Additionally, North Korea’s recent focus on strengthening its national defense capabilities, including testing cluster munitions, is cited as a background for the latest missile launch.

Following North Korea’s missile launch, the National Security Office convened an emergency security situation meeting, presided over by Deputy Director for National Security Kim Hyun-jong, and attended by officials from the Ministry of National Defense and other related agencies.