According to a new report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, North Korea has a very close missile base near the border with China. This base is only 27 km (17 mi) away and is so big that its area is more than JFK Airport in New York.

According to CNN report, experts believe that 9 nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMS) and their mobile launchers may be present here. The geographical location of this base makes it strategically even more dangerous, because countries like America will have to be ready to face China before targeting it directly.

New: Sinpung-Dong Missile Operating Base is one of the 15-20 ballistic missile bases that North korea has never declared. @CSiskoreachair Published the first in-depth open-source study confirming the base.

Explore their findings: https://t.co/3hgg9ekbe3 pic.twitter.com/kszrhxs1Sc

– CSIS (@CSIS) August 20, 2025

Nuclear program and international concern
Under the leadership of North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, North Korea has carried forward its weapon program fast. In recent years he developed new weapons, conducted ICBM testing and repeatedly threatened the US and South Korea for nuclear attacks. Despite the sanctions imposed by the United Nations, North Korea has also increased cooperation with Russia. North Korea can probably get help in technical support and arms supply by supporting Russia in Ukraine War. This situation is considered a major crisis for the security of East Asia.

Military strategy and China pressure
The condition of the Sinpung-Dong base is so close to China. Seoul-based Professor Leaf-Eric Isle says that North Korea is deliberately creating such hideouts near the China border to prevent America or its allies from action. However, Beijing may also be uncomfortable with this strategy. The report states that the base is part of the North Korea’s missile belt, which reflects its growing nuclear prevention and attack strategy.

Satellite image revealed
The satellite image shows that its construction started in 2004 and has been active since 2014. The report states that entry posts, warehouses, headquarters buildings, missile support facilities and residential structures are present here. The entry gates of several buildings have been covered with trees and bushes to hide the base, so that it is difficult to identify from the satellite. In the event of crisis, the missile launcher can be fired from the new pre-surveying places.

Potential missiles and nuclear capacity
Till now it is not clear which missile model is kept here, but experts believe that it can be equipped with Hasong-15 or Havasong-18 ICBM. These missiles have the ability to reach the US land. The report estimated that North Korea already has 40 to 50 nuclear weapons and using them can cause huge destruction in South Korea and East Asia.

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