North Korea first tested an SLBM in 2016 but never revealed any specific related to the missile. New satellite images suggest Pyongyang is developing longer submarine-launched missiles (SLBM) that could hit Guam.
Experts now fear North Korea developed a new type of submarine-launched missile which would put the US territory of Guam in range.
Prof Chang Yung-keun said: “If the missile is three meters longer, the overall weight is likely to be 28 tons.
The Korea Aerospace University professor told Arirang News: ”If the Pukkuksong-1’s projected range was 1,600 kilometres, the new one could have a range of up to 4,000 kilometres.
“That would put Guam within its range.”
Satellite images of North Korea’s main military shipyard in Sinpo showed fervent activity taking place in the area.
In July 2016, Pyongyang hinted it was working on developing new weapons as it intentionally leaked pictures of an allegedly more powerful missile, the Bukkuksong-3.
It comes as the United States, Japan and South Korean announced they will hold missile tracking drills as tensions continue to escalate in East Asia.
North Korea has filed a number of missiles over Japan as it continues to develop both ballistic and nuclear weapons despite UN sanctions and worldwide condemnation.
But despite international outcry, Pyongyang continues to threaten world peace fueling fears of World War 3.
On November 29, it test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile which it said was its most advanced yet, capable of reaching the mainland United States.
North Korea’s missile test last month prompted a US warning that North Korea’s leadership would be “utterly destroyed” if war were to break out.