A highly and unprecedented level of North Korean submarine activity has been captured by a commercial satellite which was taken earlier this month showing unusual preparation by the North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un submarine forces compared to those in August last year when it last tested a submarine-based missile.
Evidence on the satellite image has emerged, confirming a Sinpo-class submarine with a range of around 1,200 miles had been loaded with an Inter-continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), believes it may be armed with nuclear war head and an evidence of “ejection test” was also found.
Defense experts have said that the recluse country, headed by Kim Jong-un, is looking to upgrade its sea-based nuclear fleet capabilities and its submarine’s launch system Pukguksong-1.
A specialist in North Korean defense and intelligence affairs, Joseph Bermudez posted photographs on the 38 North blog of the US-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University.
He said that “the recent commercial satellite imagery uncovers a few improvements recommending that North Korea might be quickening the advancement and developments of the sea-based leg of its nuclear forces.”
“The North Korean forces might be planning for a new series of ‘at sea’ test launches, has undertaken modifications or upgrades to the submarine’s launch systems or is developing a more advanced version of the Pukguksong-1,” He added.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said its “military solutions” were “locked and loaded” if North Korea acted “unwisely”.
President Trump’s comments came after North Korea’s state media issued a threat to the US that its military was “on standby to launch fire into its mainland, waiting for an order of final attack”. -JCE.
