North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un leads a group of its officials in front of SLBM submarine at Sinpo South Shipyard in South Hamgyeong Province, North Korea.

New satellite imagery acquired today (April 7, 2021) shows that North Korea is moving its submersible missile test barge located at the Sinpo South Shipyard. Probable reasons for this movement include preparations for a forthcoming submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) test, or movement of the test stand for maintenance, repairs, or installation of equipment.

The movement of the test stand barge, and the implied threat of renewed SLBM testing (potentially of a Pukkuksong-4 or -5), would present significant challenges to the new US administration of President Joseph Biden and the administration of South Korean President Moon Jae-In.

Key Findings

•A Maxar Technologies satellite image collected at 11:09 a.m. KST today shows that North Korea is moving its submersible missile test barge located at the Sinpo South Shipyard.

•A search of a partial Planet image of the Sinpo area collected at 3:40 p.m. KST today shows that the barge has left the secure boat basin to the floating dry dock in front of the construction hall.

•As no missile canister is visible onboard the submersible missile test barge, this movement does not indicate an imminent submarine launched ballistic missile test (SLBM).

•Probable reasons for this movement include:

•Preparations for a forthcoming submarine launched ballistic missile test.

•Movement of the test stand for maintenance, repairs, or installation of equipment.

•The movement of the test stand barge, and the implied threat of renewed SLBM testing (potentially of a Pukkuksong-4 or -5), would present significant challenges to the new US administration of President Biden and the administration of South Korean President Moon.

•Further reporting on the overall Sinpo South Shipyard will follow.