A new report has revealed that North Korea has been secretly building and operating a massive long-range missile base near its border with China. The base, located in Sinpung in North Pyongan province, lies just 27 kilometers (17 miles) from Chinese territory.
Hidden Missile Base Comes to Light
According to the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the missile base likely houses a brigade-sized military unit. This unit is believed to be equipped with six to nine intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of carrying nuclear warheads, along with mobile launchers used for deployment. These weapons are considered some of North Korea’s most advanced and dangerous assets.
The report highlights that these missiles from the missile base could reach targets across East Asia and even the continental United States. This makes the discovery highly significant, as it shows Pyongyang’s continuous effort to advance its nuclear strike capabilities despite international pressure.
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Satellite imagery used in the study revealed that during times of war or crisis, the missiles from the missile base would likely leave the site. They would then connect with specialized warhead storage and transportation units before moving to pre-selected sites for launch operations. This indicates that the base is not just for storage, but also part of a wider operational plan.
Years of Construction and Missile Base Expansion
The report noted that construction of the Sinpung missile base began around 2004. By 2014, most of the key facilities were completed and operational. Since then, the base has been steadily expanded and upgraded, with visible signs of continuous development in recent years.
The facilities include underground storage areas, military housing, missile support buildings, and access roads. These features make the site well-prepared for both housing and deploying nuclear-capable missiles. Its design also suggests a focus on long-term use, with strong infrastructure to support ongoing missile operations.
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South Korea’s defense ministry confirmed that it is monitoring North Korea’s nuclear and missile activities closely, although it did not provide further details. The revelation of this base adds to long-standing concerns about how large and dispersed North Korea’s nuclear arsenal might be.
Experts believe the location of the base near the Chinese border gives it extra protection. Any potential attack on the site could risk pulling China into conflict, making it harder for other countries to consider military action against it.
Rising Nuclear Threat and Global Tensions
The discovery of the Sinpung base comes at a time when tensions on the Korean Peninsula are already high. Just days earlier, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un called for a rapid expansion of his country’s nuclear weapons program. His statement coincided with the start of joint military drills between the United States and South Korea, which Pyongyang has long described as rehearsals for war.
The new missile base also reflects a broader shift in North Korea’s global relations. The country has drawn closer to Russia in recent years, openly supporting Moscow in its war on Ukraine. This growing partnership has given Pyongyang more confidence in pushing forward with its nuclear ambitions.
The report further noted that North Korea’s nuclear program is not just about numbers, but also about survivability. By spreading its missile arsenal across multiple sites and using mobile launchers, Pyongyang is making it more difficult for adversaries to eliminate its nuclear capabilities in a single strike.
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Kim Jong-un has also been vocal about the purpose of his nuclear weapons. Earlier this week, he said the only way to protect the nation’s security is to instill fear in its enemies. According to him, North Korea’s nuclear strength would be demonstrated through “practical actions” rather than words.
This stance marks a continuation of North Korea’s long-standing strategy of using its nuclear program as both a defensive shield and a tool of deterrence. The revelation of the Sinpung base underscores how deeply embedded this strategy has become in Pyongyang’s military planning.