[38 North]
North Korea's Sinpo naval base appears capable of supporting a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) test at any time but satellite imagery shows no signs of an imminent test, according to 38 North, the website of a U.S. research institute.
Sinpo has been closely watched following the North's two ICBM tests in July. Satellite imagery from September 21 has revealed the continued movement of components in its parts yards in an indication that a shipbuilding program is probably underway although the type of vessel remains unknown, 38 North said.
"While there is growing concern that the North may be planning a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) test in the near future, the current imagery does not indicate an imminent test," Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., a US missile expert, said in his analysis.
"The SINPO-class submarine, submersible test stand barge and nearby test stand, however, appear capable of supporting a test at any time of Pyongyang's choosing."
Along with ICBMs, the North's SLBM program has been a prime security concern in Seoul and Washington, though US experts believe Pyongyang is still years away from the operational deployment of a submarine carrying ballistic missile for wartime missions.
reporter
Lim Chang-won
cwlim34@ajunews.com
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