![Satellite image of North Korea’s Sinpung-dong missile base taken on July 11 [BEYOND PARALLEL]](https://www.koreadailyus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/0821-missile.jpg)
A newly identified North Korea ICBM base in Sinpung-dong, North Pyongan Province, has been revealed through commercial satellite imagery. The base, located near the Chinese border, appears to host intercontinental ballistic missiles, according to an analysis released by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on August 20.
Images taken on July 11 showed underground entrances, command facilities, and support structures. CSIS assessed that the Sinpung-dong site likely houses a brigade-sized unit, with evidence dating back to 2003.
The exact missile systems at the base remain unclear. However, CSIS said the facility could accommodate six to nine Hwasong-15 or Hwasong-18 ICBMs, or even a new, undisclosed model. Analysts also identified transporter erector launchers (TELs) on site.
According to the report, in the event of conflict, the launchers and missiles would leave the base, meet specialized warhead units, and conduct operations from dispersed, pre-surveyed locations.
The Sinpung-dong base is described as part of North Korea’s strategic ballistic missile belt, alongside undeclared sites such as Hoejung-ni, Sangnam-ni, and Yongnim. Together, these facilities represent the foundation of the country’s nuclear deterrence and strike capabilities.
North Korea is estimated to operate between 15 and 20 missile bases. During the 2018–19 denuclearization talks with the United States, the dismantlement of such sites was not addressed. Negotiations instead focused on the Sohae Satellite Launching Station in Cholsan County.
CSIS noted that the Sinpung-dong base was likely built between 2004 and 2014, suggesting it may not be the country’s newest ICBM site. The Hwasong-15, a liquid-fueled missile believed to be deployed there, is considered an earlier-generation weapon.
This has led some experts to suggest that the site may also be used for propulsion testing or the development of intermediate-range ballistic missiles, rather than solely for forward-deployed ICBM operations.
BY MOOYOUNG LEE [lee.mooyoung@koreadaily.com]
