Recent satellite imagery reveals ongoing high-level utilization of Russia's Tikhoretsk Munitions Storage Facility, where munitions from North Korea are being stored. READ MORE

Recent satellite image of the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Facility indicates that North Korea continues to be committed to maintaining the general health of the facility. READ MORE

Ammunition supplies have become critical in the Ukraine war. CSIS studied hundreds of commercially available satellite images since August 2023 on the continuing transfer of large quantities of munitions between North Korea and Russia. READ MORE

The war in Ukraine has precipitated a renewed relationship between Russia and North Korea. Driven by Russia's need for ammunition... READ MORE

The CSIS Beyond Parallel team compiled an original database of all North Korean provocations since the Korean War in 1953, beginning with the first provocation documented in 1958. There has been more than 280 instances... READ MORE

Analysis of recent commercially available satellite imagery of the Russia–North Korea railroad crossing suggests significantly increased energy and economic trade as Pyongyang seeks to tighten ties with Moscow. READ MORE

Key Findings The White House’s acknowledgement this week of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s possible trip later this month to... READ MORE

The first open-source analysis of declassified satellite imagery suggests that the construction of North Korea's Punggye-ri Nuclear Testing Facility started as early as 1985 to 1986. READ MORE

The growth of markets and gradual changes in the economy are some the most significant developments to occur in North Korea over the last 20 years. An understanding of these fundamental changes is critical for... READ MORE

Satellite image of the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Facility acquired on January 16, 2024, shows activity which indicates continued commitment for maintenance of the construction achieved in 2023. READ MORE

Satellite images of Najin Port over the past two months show a high level of activity, suggesting that arms transfer between DPRK and Russia continue. READ MORE

Recent satellite images of Sinpo South Shipyard and Mayang-do Submarine Base suggest preparations for an important event. READ MORE

Latest satellite imagery of Najin Port indicates that at least six trips transporting munitions have been made by sea between North Korea and Russia. READ MORE

North Korea launched a new ballistic missile submarine, the Hero Kim Kun Ok, at the Sinpo South Shipyard. Satellite imagery analysis before, during, and after the launch details the unveiled and much-anticipated submarine and changes... READ MORE

Russia's multi-warhead intercontinental ballistic missile Topol-M (SS-27 Mod 2) and North Korea's recently test-fired "Hwasong-18" (right). (Russia MoD and KCNA)... READ MORE

Recent satellite imagery of the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Facility shows minor activity at the main administration area and no new activity at the tunnels. However, preparations at Tunnel No. 3 are considered to have long... READ MORE

Imagery analysis has identified the Manpo Unha Factory as an important but little-known component of North Korea's nuclear infrastructure as the prime supplier of bulk chemicals to the Yongbyon Nuclear Research Center. READ MORE

Ongoing development at the Sohae Satellite Launching Station seen in recent satellite imagery show continued preparations to expand the facility's capabilities to host larger rocket launches. READ MORE

Dramatic and ongoing construction progress continues throughout the eastern and central sections of the Sohae Satellite Launching Station, including new construction near the horizontal engine test stand. READ MORE

Latest commercial satellite images of the Sohae Satellite Launching Station show construction has entered a new phase, including the addition of a new horizontal engine test stand, further expanding the facility's future capabilities. READ MORE

North Korea is the Impossible State. Each week join the people who know the most about North Korea—The Center for... READ MORE

Since 2016, CSIS has partnered with an organization that has a successful track record of conducting discrete and careful surveys... READ MORE

For the past two months, a significant increase in activity has been observed at the Sinpo South Shipyard, suggestive of longer-term preparations for North Korea's launching of the new SSB or testing newer, more capable... READ MORE

North Korea’s September 25 test launch of a ballistic missile from the Taechon Reservoir was a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM), not a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) as commonly reported. The missile used for this test... READ MORE

LANDSAT 7 and LANDSAT 8 thermal infrared satellite imagery in January and February show that warm water is being discharged from the 5MWe reactor at Yongbyon, confirming that the reactor and its cooling system are... READ MORE

Over 16 months after its shutdown of the border with China to prevent COVID transmission, North Korea has seen delays in its efforts to re-open commerce with its primary trade partner. The conversion of Uiju... READ MORE

Although significant political barriers remain to reconnecting the Korean peninsula, there is merit in substantive study of the types of energy infrastructure connections that would best promote regional growth and stability. The cases examined in... READ MORE