The views expressed in this post are those of the author and not necessarily those of Open Nuclear Network or any other agency, institution or partner.
Summary
The Chamjin Missile Factory, also known as the Thaesong Machine Plant, [1] is an important facility for ballistic missile production in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Recent satellite imagery shows new construction activities on the premises of the factory’s main compound, although the purpose of the new structures is not clear.
Overview of the Chamjin Missile Factory
The Chamjin Missile Factory is situated about 15 km southwest of Pyongyang. Its ground area consists of a vertical engine test stand and a main compound. The factory is known to produce SCUD-type and Hwasong-7 (Rodong) ballistic missiles. [2]
Figure 1. The Chamjin Missile Factory ground area consists of a main production area and an engine test stand. Image: Google Earth
Figure 2. Top left: the engine teststand at the Chamjin Missile Factory was used to imitate the thermal environment in an ablative material test for re-entry vehicles on 14 March 2016. [3] Other photos: State television video framesshowing Kim Jong Il and Kim Jong Un inspecting components of the DPRK's nuclear weapons programme in different times. It is believed that the videos were taken at the Chamjin Missile Factory. [4] Images: Rodong Sinmun (top left), KCTV
New Construction Activities
In a Planet Labs image from 7 April 2021, foundations for six structures are visible between the two largest buildings on the premises of the factory's main compound. A more recent Planet Labs image from 21 July 2021 shows that there has been progress in the construction and that each of the structures has an area of 30 meters by 10 meters.
It is not clear whether the new structures are intended to serve production, logistical or support purposes. ONN will continue to monitor developments at this site.
Figure 3. Foundations for six structures appeared in a satellite image dated 7 April 2021. Images © 2021 Planet LabsInc. All Rights Reserved. Reprinted by permission
Figure 4. Progress made in the construction as of 21 July 2021. Images © 2021 Planet LabsInc. All Rights Reserved. Reprinted by permission
[1] Report of the Panel of Experts established pursuant to resolution 1874 (2009), United Nations, 27 February 2017, available at: https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/atf/cf/%7B65BFCF9B-6D27-4E9C-8CD3-CF6E4FF96FF9%7D/s_2 017_150.pdf
[2] Report of the Panel of Experts established pursuant to resolution 1874 (2009), United Nations, 27 February 2017, available at: https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/atf/cf/%7B65BFCF9B-6D27-4E9C-8CD3-CF6E4FF96FF9%7D/s_2 017_150.pdf
[3] Location of KN-08 Reentry Vehicle Nosecone Test Identified, 38 North, 23 March 2016, available at: https://www.38north.org/2016/03/chamjin032316/
[4] Jeffery Lewis, The Cloths Geolocate the Man, Arms Control Wonk, 8 June 2016, available at: https://www.armscontrolwonk.com/archive/1201459/a-tale-of-two-visits/
