U.S. weapons experts say they believe North Korea may be ready to test a new strategic weapons system that would expand Kim Jong Un’s arsenal and negate President Donald Trump’s threshold requirements for continued engagement with the U.S.
Experts, led by Dr. Victor Chai of the Center for Strategic and International Studies “Beyond Parallel” website, posted new and unusually clear satellite images taken on Friday showing that North Korea may be preparing for a ballistic missile test launched by its submarine. Big new development for the North.
Experts say the pictures show a submersible test stand badge at Simpo South Shipyard.
According to the “Beyond Parallel” assessment, the primary indicator indicating the readiness of a test launch is the presence of several vessels inside the boat basin, one of which resembles a vessel used to tow a test fork to the sea. The second indicator is two Romeo-class submarines anchored at the base that experts say could be used as escorts for SLBM test maneuvers.
“It looks like they are preparing to test the SLBM for the first time,” Chai said, contributing to NBC News of Asian Affairs. “Kim Jong Un is talking about unveiling a new strategic weapon and this could be it. There has been a lot of activity around this one site where the test barge is located.”
Since the failed Hanoi summit between Trump and Kim in February 2019, Trump has rejected a series of short-range, ground-based missile tests that do not threaten the United States, even though they violate UN Security Council resolutions.
“The missile test, which began at sea, will certainly cross all of President Trump’s red lines because it will include a large ballistic missile,” Chae said. “It would be difficult for President Trump to ignore this.”
Experts believe that early North Korea In Sep-Sept, or Sep-Sept in North Korea. I.e. the founding day of North Korea, honoring the founding of the state.
In the past, Kim has sought to get maximum attention by spending her country holidays, as well as the U.S. Likes to test new weapons on holidays. Starting the test just months before the U.S. election will raise Trump’s claim of progress with the North as a major political challenge to his diplomatic achievements.
