May 8, 2025, by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., Victor Cha and Jennifer Jun—
The last of a three-part series on the Yongdok-tong Nuclear High Explosive Test Facility, a critical component in the research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) of North Korea’s nuclear warheads, explores the underground facilities at Yongdok-tong and elsewhere.
May 2, 2025, by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., Victor Cha and Jennifer Jun—
The second of a three-part series on the Yongdok-tong Nuclear High Explosive Test Facility, a critical component in the research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) of North Korea’s nuclear warheads, explores development from 2010s to today.
April 22, 2025, by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., Victor Cha and Jennifer Jun—
The Yongdok-tong Nuclear High Explosive Test Facility is the only known operating facility in the country for testing designs and components for high-explosive detonation of nuclear weapons. This is the most comprehensive report of this secret facility currently available at the unclassified level.
October 14, 2024, by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., Victor Cha and Jennifer Jun—
Satellite image of the Punggye-ri Nuclear Testing Facility acquired on October 4, 2024, a few days before the rapid escalation of tension in the peninsula, shows that the facility continues to be well maintained... Close-up view of the area around the portal to Tunnel No. 3 (South Portal). Click…
April 10, 2024, by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., Victor Cha and Jennifer Jun—
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... This April 2, 2024, image of the area around the new portal to Tunnel No.…
January 23, 2024, by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., Victor Cha and Jennifer Jun—
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... The SPOT 1 satellite image from September 23, 1987, shows the Punggye-ri Nuclear Testing Facility…
January 18, 2024, by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., Victor Cha and Jennifer Jun—
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... The Main Administrative and Support Area as seen on January 16, 2024. The courtyard has…
June 27, 2023, by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., Victor Cha and Jennifer Jun—
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 been completed. .. Close up view of the portal to Tunnel No. 3, June 19, 2023. No significant…
May 4, 2023, by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., Victor Cha and Jennifer Jun—
Recent satellite imagery shows new activity at the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Facility, including the completion of road construction and new structures by the collapsed portal of Tunnel No. 4... Close up view of the road and two new buildings outside of the collapsed portal…
November 7, 2022, by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., Victor Cha and Jennifer Jun—
North Korea has shown an unprecedented level of provocations over the past week. As tensions rise, eyes are also on Punggye-ri, the expected site of the seventh nuclear test. This report provides an updated view of the facility... Based on the latest satellite image obtained on November 7, 2022, a day before the…
