According to Reuters, at the February 11 plant in North Korea's Hamhung, where solid-fuel ballistic missiles of the "Hwasong-11" class (KN-23) are assembled, new industrial and residential buildings have begun construction, as shown by an analysis of satellite images conducted by researchers from an American analytical center.
Satellite images taken in early October by the commercial satellite company Planet Labs show what appears to be the construction of another assembly building, as well as a new residential complex likely intended for workers, according to the analysis by researchers from the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS), located at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey. The new industrial building is 60–70% larger than the previous one used for missile assembly. Additionally, it seems that Pyongyang is repairing entrances to some underground facilities of the complex.
Researchers from SI Analytics also confirmed the new construction at the February 11 plant, stating in their report on Monday that part of the structure near the loading area is likely to be used to conceal future activities of the plant from satellites.
Furthermore, SI Analytics discovered new construction at the neighboring Vinalon 8 February complex, which is presumed to produce fuel for ballistic missiles.
According to analysts, the DPRK may be expanding production to increase its own arsenal. At the same time, Pyongyang's support for Moscow could reduce the burden on Russian production capacities.
The KN-23 missiles were first tested in May 2019 and are designed to evade missile defense by flying on a lower, "depressed" trajectory, experts told Reuters, making them potentially useful for Russia, which is seeking ways to penetrate Ukraine's air defense system.
Photo: AFP