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| Satellite Image Reveals Possibility of North Korea Launching New Submarine |
Pyongyang - Recent satellite imagery from North Korea's main submarine shipyard (North Korea) shows possible preparations for launching a new submarine, the United States monitors reported Wednesday (21/9/2022).
The satellite image, taken last weekend, shows six barges and other vessels converging around a submarine launch dock at the South Sinpo Shipyard, according to 38 North. "While barges and dry docks are occasionally observed in the vicinity of the submarine launch dock in the main construction hall, the presence of six ships and barges in this area has never been observed before," said the 38 North report, as quoted by Yonhap.
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| satellite image showing North Korean navy submarine |
"There is also a clear crane fixture on the launch dock's launch rail which can be used to ensure the barge pulls the submarine along the rails," the report added. The barge was not observed in the previous image taken on September 12. The report follows a series of missile provocations by North Korea that included the alleged launch of a submarine ballistic missile in May.
So far, North Korea has fired more than 30 ballistic missiles this year, marking the largest number of ballistic missiles launched in a year, according to US officials. US monitors said the latest Sinpo satellite imagery also provided a clear view of the missile launch pit from the SINPO Class experimental ballistic missile submarine there.
The hatch, located in the submarine's sails, is estimated to be 1.8 meters in diameter, which could easily accommodate at least the Pukguksong-1 or Pukguksong-3 submarine-launched ballistic missile launch tubes, he said.