A new satellite-imagery analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies’ Beyond Parallel project has identified an undeclared North Korean missile operating base in Sinpung-dong, North Pyongan Province, roughly 27 kilometres from the Chinese border. The think-tank says the site is the first publicly confirmed facility of its kind and was not included in previous denuclearisation talks. CSIS estimates the base houses a brigade-sized unit equipped with six to nine nuclear-capable Hwasong-15 or solid-fuel Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missiles and their mobile transporter-erector-launchers. The missiles would place the U.S. mainland and most of East Asia within range, underscoring the regime’s expanding strategic deterrent. Construction of the complex began around 2004 and the main facilities were operational by 2014, according to the report, which notes that work to enlarge the base continues. In a conflict, the missiles are expected to disperse from Sinpung to pre-surveyed launch sites after linking up with specialised warhead-storage units, complicating detection and targeting. South Korea’s defence ministry said it is tracking North Korea’s nuclear and missile activities but offered no further comment.