North Korea to Launch New Submarine Soon, Claims to be Capable of Releasing Missiles
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North Korean media at the time did not disclose the submarine's weapons system, or when and where the monitoring took place |
Satellite images show North Korea reportedly preparing to launch a new submarine. The submarine is believed to be capable of firing ballistic missiles.
Based on satellite imagery from a US-based think-tank, 38 North, on Sept. 18, six barges and other ships can be seen congregating in the dock construction hall.
"While barges and land docks are continuously monitored in the vicinity of the submarine launch dock, which is in the main hall of the construction site, the presence of six barges and other vessels in this area has never been seen before," 38 North said in a statement.
The agency also concluded that North Korea may be preparing to launch a submarine.
As reported by Reuters, the news comes after US President Joe Biden accused North Korea of "blatantly violating United Nations [UN] sanctions."
The accusation was made when Biden addressed the UN General Assembly on Wednesday (21/9).
On the other hand, the discourse of North Korea building a new submarine was heard in 2016. At that time, a number of analysts found several signs that indicated Pyongyang might be building a submarine.
Meanwhile, North Korean media in 2019 showed the country's leader, Kim Jong Un, monitoring a new submarine that was mentioned in 2016.
Based on North Korean media reports, Kim Jong Un specifically monitored the construction of the ship. The ship is also rumored to be operating off the east coast.
North Korean media at the time did not disclose the submarine's weapons system, or when and where the monitoring took place. Even so, some analysts argue the size of the new submarine is designed to carry missiles.
North Korea has a large submarine fleet, but only one vessel is known to be capable of carrying ballistic missiles.
Analysts are also debating whether the new submarine is a new model, or based on the Romeo-class submarine North Korea got from China in the 1970s.
Amid this confusion, North Korea launched a submarine-launched ballistic missile in May. The launch took place near Sinpo.
In addition, North Korea's relations with South Korea have also gotten hotter in recent times. North Korea continues to test their missiles, worrying South Korea and the US.
Not only that, South Korean and US efforts to get North Korea to agree to denuclearize are still not producing results.
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