There are signs N. Korea may be preparing to launch a SLBM on October 10th

There are signs that North Korea is preparing the launch of a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) at a submarine maintenance facility in Sinpo Shipyard, Daily NK has learned.

“There have been no reports of damage from [recent] typhoons at the submarine ballistic missile base in Sinpo Shipyard, and the shipyard is currently rushing to finish final preparations for a ballistic test [launch],” a source in South Hamgyong Province told Daily NK yesterday.

According to the source, Sinpo Shipyard suffered considerable damage from recent typhoons, including broken cranes and damaged boats. The submarine maintenance base, an important facility to the regime, did not suffer any particular damage because base managers took pains to prevent any damage from the storms, he said.

“The shipyard had already gradually begun preparations for the launch of a SLBM some time ago, but they began pushing harder to [finish the preparations] from this month [September],” the source, who requested anonymity for security reasons, told Daily NK. “[The site] is bustling with activity to prepare for the ballistic missile launch, with central [government] officials and researchers arriving at the site from late August, along with the mobilization of many military units.”

The source further told Daily NK that “the atmosphere [around the site] is unusual because officials and laborers are unable to leave the facility, for example.”

In short, the source made it clear that the environs of the submarine maintenance base are covered by “airtight” security, and outsiders – even those working at the shipyard (in other capacities) – are not allowed near the base.

“It looks like the final tests [for launching the SLBM] will be held at around the end of this month,” the source said, adding, “There’s the possibility that [North Korea] will show off the SLBM during the military parade to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Party’s founding.” The phrase “show off” refers to both the inclusion of the weapon in the parade and a test launch.

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