North Korea’s increased testing of ICBMs and ICBM components in the first quarter of 2022 emphasizes the strategic significance of the Hue Jungle Missile Operating Base. This base, located on the border with China, appears designed to house North Korean intercontinental and intermediate-range ballistic missiles. The base’s proximity to China complicates preemptive actions against it, considering China’s security interests. Construction of the base, observed since 2003, involves underground facilities and drive-through missile checkout bunkers. Recent imagery suggests the facility is essentially complete, and it is expected to host an intercontinental ballistic missile unit capable of reaching the United States.

• North Korea’s increased testing signals a drive to acquire capabilities to reach the United States with intercontinental ballistic missiles.
• The Hue Jungle Missile Operating Base is strategically significant for housing future North Korean ICBMs and intermediate-range ballistic missiles.
• The base’s location on the China border makes preemptive actions challenging, involving China’s security equities.
• Construction of the base began in 2003, with early images showing excavation for an underground facility (UGF) and worker housing.
• Two hardened drive-through missile checkout bunkers and a second UGF were constructed, observed in high-resolution imagery.
• Recent imagery indicates the facility is essentially complete from an infrastructure standpoint.
• Informed sources suggest the base will house an intercontinental ballistic missile unit capable of reaching the United States.
• North Korea conducted a series of ICBM launches in Q1 2022, including a potentially world’s largest liquid-propelled ICBM in mid-March.
• It is unclear whether China is aware of the base’s placement, but China shows no concern or threat regarding North Korea’s ballistic missile program.
• The base’s existence underscores the need to include such bases in future denuclearization negotiations between the United States and North Korea.
• There is a call for enhanced missile defense cooperation among allies, including the United States, Japan, and South Korea.