▲ A North Korean suicide drone in flight
Indications of a possible expansion of a drone base have been raised after activities were captured clearing farmland near the unmanned aerial technology complex surrounding Panghyon Airfield in North Pyongan Province, which North Korea utilizes as a major site for drone development and testing.
The US-based North Korea specialty outlet 38 North reported, based on an analysis of photos of the area around Panghyon Airfield captured by the commercial satellite service Planet Labs, that work to clear an area of farmland next to the facility's hangars began in early September.
The outlet emphasized that "this clearing work is merely one of several projects currently underway in the area," while adding that "it well illustrates the importance of this facility in the development of North Korea's drone program."
The unmanned aerial technology complex is one of several facilities located around Panghyon Airfield and is adjacent to the aircraft maintenance zone.
About 3 kilometers to the southeast of this location lies the Panghyon Manufacturing and Assembly Plant, and a bit further away is the Panghyon Aircraft Factory, which is surrounded by hills.
Drone facilities around Panghyon Airfield have been gradually expanding in scale following the appearance in 2024 of hangars capable of storing large drones.
Last summer, a roof was installed on a building presumed to be a manufacturing plant.
Additionally, several taxiways and aprons at the airfield have recently been repaved.
There has been no repair work yet on the main runway.
38 North reported that a new structure is being constructed next to the Panghyon Manufacturing and Assembly Plant.
It also added that work such as the demolition of a small structure at the southern end of the plant was underway on the aircraft factory side.
38 North explained, "Major construction on the new manufacturing plant was completed early this year," and added, "Demolishing the small structure will secure ample space for authorities to build an additional manufacturing plant."
(Photo: Screen capture from Korean Central Television, Yonhap News)
※
Copying, redistribution, and unauthorized use in AI training are strictly prohibited.