Posted on May 3, 2022
Key Findings
- Satellite image collected on April 20, 2022, provides one of the most detailed and current views of continued activity at the Sinpo South Shipyard.
- No significant activity was observed indicating preparations for the launching of the much-anticipated new ballistic missile submarine (SSB), preparations for a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) test from either the 8.24 Yongung (August 24th Hero) experimental ballistic missile submarine (SSBA), or the submersible test stand barge.
- Ongoing activity is observed at the nearby L-shaped pier and unfinished maintenance hall.
- North Korea retains the capability and resources to launch its first true SSB or conduct additional SLBM tests at any time of its choosing.
Assessment
A high-resolution Airbus 30-centimeter NEO satellite image of the Sinpo South Shipyard and its environs was collected on April 20, 2022, providing a detailed opportunity to observe the facility’s current status.
No significant activity is observed to indicate preparations for the launching of the much-anticipated new ballistic missile submarine (SSB), preparations for a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) test from the 8.24 Yongung (August 24th Hero) experimental ballistic missile submarine (SSBA), or the submersible test stand barge.
North Korea, however, maintains the capability to undertake any of these actions on short notice should Kim Jong-un decide to do so. This capability must be kept in mind as an increasing probability considering the North’s accelerated testing rate of various ballistic missile systems during the past seven months.
