North Korea resumes naval base construction as it modernises fleet

North Korea appears to be accelerating its naval modernization efforts with the resumption of construction at the Tapchon Bay naval base on its east coast. Satellite imagery analyzed by NK News shows new structures, likely temporary housing for workers, appearing at the site between August 6 and 9. This suggests that construction on planned administrative and training facilities has restarted after years of minimal activity.

Further evidence of renewed construction includes a new road and bridge under development near Sokchon Bay since mid-May, and land-clearing work initiated in July on a peninsula south of the base. These developments indicate North Korea may be expanding the base's size and capabilities beyond its original scope. The Munchon base has been in development for over a decade, with significant progress made between 2015 and 2017 on piers and docking facilities, followed by a railway bridge completion in 2018, after which construction largely stalled.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited the unfinished site in September 2024, emphasizing the urgent need for its completion. This renewed construction coincides with North Korea's rapid expansion of its naval capabilities, including the unveiling of two new 5,000-ton class destroyers, the Choe Hyon and Kang Kon, and ongoing efforts to develop a nuclear-powered submarine program. Kim also ordered the construction of a 10,000-ton class cruiser in June.

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completion of the base an “urgent task”.

Kim himself acknowledged a shortage of bases capable of accommodating large warships during the Choe Hyon commissioning ceremony in June. The revitalized Munchon base is expected to provide a permanent home for the North's new destroyers and future submarines, thereby extending the operational reach of its east coast fleet. This initiative aligns with Kim's broader goal of developing the Navy into a force capable of regular operations beyond territorial waters.

Separately, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that North Korea fired a ballistic missile into the East Sea on August 12.

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North Korea lacked bases capable of accommodating large warships such as destroyers.