NOT SURPRISING – AT 2:29 P.M. ET:  The submarine-launched ballistic missile is probably the most feared combination because submarines, even today, are so hard to detect.  Little wonder, then, that the North Koreans are reported to be working vigorously on that weapons system.  From Fox: 

Kim Jong Un’s regime is pursuing an “aggressive schedule” to construct its first operational ballistic missile submarine, an analysis of satellite images indicated as North Korea scoffs at international condemnation and moves to complete its missile and nuclear program.

The images of Sinpo South Shipyard released on Thursday by 38 North, a project by the U.S.-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies that specializes in North Korea analysis, suggested there were signs of movement and parts in the area since the start of the year. The shipyard has been notoriously known to be used to build large submarines for North Korea’s army, the analysis stated.

Several signs indicated the regime is expanding the site and working on a shipbuilding program to build and deploy a submarine capable of carrying a missile. The Nov. 5 satellite images showed “two larger circular objects” that could be used for a pressure hull on a submarine. Gantry and tower cranes have been seen moving around the facility, suggesting a “prolonged and ongoing shipbuilding program,” according to 38 North.

 “The presence of what appear to be sections of a submarine’s pressure hull in the yards suggests construction of a new submarine, possibly the SINPO-C ballistic missile submarine — the follow-on to the current SINPO-class experimental ballistic missile submarine,”  the 38 North report said.

COMMENT:  We will have to measure this report against the results of Mr. Trump's recent trip to Asia, where North Korea was high on the agenda.  Will North Korea continue this program, or will it be persuaded to step back?  I think the chances of success are small, without considerably more pressure, both economic, and if necessary, military.

November 19, 2017