North Korea may soon test submarine-launched missiles

April 6 (Asia Today) -- North Korea appears to have completed maintenance on its "Hero Kim Gun Ok" submarine and could soon conduct test launches of submarine-launched ballistic missiles and cruise missiles, according to a private satellite analysis released Monday.

South Korean satellite imagery firm SI Analytics said recent images taken near Sinpo on March 20 and 26 show increased vehicle activity around a submarine test facility and dry dock.

The firm said security covers previously installed on the submarine have been removed, suggesting preparations for operational activity. Movement of another submarine previously used for SLBM launches was also detected.

The "Hero Kim Gun Ok" submarine, launched in September 2023, is a diesel-powered vessel equipped with 10 vertical launch tubes. North Korea has claimed it can carry strategic nuclear missiles, though it has not yet been observed conducting live missile tests or full sea operations.

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SI Analytics said the submarine is likely to begin sea trials after undergoing maintenance for about two years. It added that the vessel could operate alongside another submarine with proven SLBM capability to compare performance data and conduct missile tests.

The report said North Korea appears to be expanding its nuclear delivery systems beyond land-based missiles to include submarine- and ship-launched platforms, aiming to strengthen its deterrence capability.

Satellite imagery also showed unusual activity involving the relocation of a cargo ship hull without dismantling it, raising the possibility that North Korea is constructing a specialized vessel.

The firm said North Korea operates a number of aging submarines and is believed to be building additional vessels, including a nuclear-powered submarine. It added that the country may also be developing a submarine rescue ship, which it currently lacks.

-- Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

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Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260406010001699