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Articles by Jennifer Jun
Suspected Uranium Enrichment Building at Yongbyon Complete
Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. is a Senior Fellow for Imagery Analysis with the iDeas Lab and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Victor Cha is President of the Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Jennifer Jun is an Associate Fellow and Project Manager for Imagery Analysis with the iDeas Lab and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
A Closer Look at the Yelabuga UAV Factory
Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. is a Senior Fellow for Imagery Analysis with the iDeas Lab and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Victor Cha is President of the Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Jennifer Jun is an Associate Fellow and Project Manager for Imagery Analysis with the iDeas Lab and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Headline image Copyright © 2025 Vantor.
North Korean UAVs at Panghyon
Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. is a Senior Fellow for Imagery Analysis with the iDeas Lab and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Victor Cha is President of the Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Jennifer Jun is an Associate Fellow and Project Manager for Imagery Analysis with the iDeas Lab and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Headline image Copyright © 2025 Vantor.
Imagery from Venezuela Shows a Surgical Strike, Not Shock and Awe
U.S. forces focused on a limited number of sites, primarily the Fort Tiuna Military Complex where Maduro was known to have several bunkers. Air defense batteries and radars were also attacked to create a corridor for helicopters to enter Venezuelan territory and reach the target without interference. Many air defense sites remained untouched, however. U.S. military doctrine prescribes corridors: It was not necessary to take out the entire air defense system.
Progress at the Much-Delayed New Yalu River Bridge
Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. is a Senior Fellow for Imagery Analysis with the iDeas Lab and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Victor Cha is President of the Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Jennifer Jun is an Associate Fellow and Project Manager for Imagery Analysis with the iDeas Lab and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Headline image Copyright © 2025 Vantor.
Satellite imagery shows Tehran’s accelerating water crisis
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Satellite Imagery Shows Tehran’s Accelerating Water Crisis
Introduction Tehran is experiencing an unprecedented water crisis. Satellite imagery analysis shows that key reservoirs that feed the capital are far below their typical seasonal variation. The Iranian president has warned that Iran has “no choice” but to move the location of the capital due to the water crisis. In the short term, water rationing has been imposed on some neighborhoods, and authorities may have to evacuate residents from Tehran.
Significant Progress of the North Korea-Russia Road Bridge
, by , and Construction of the new Russia-North Korea Tumangang-Khasan road bridge has made significant progress in the past six months. The bridge and its supporting infrastructure should be open during the first quarter of 2026, depending on the resources committed to the project and the severity of the upcoming winter.
Korea-China Standoffs in the PMZ
Jennifer Jun is an Associate Fellow and Project Manager for Imagery Analysis with the iDeas Lab and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Victor Cha is President of the Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Secret North Korea missile base: Sinpung-dong
Skip to content SPECIAL The risk for cyber or U.S. critical infrastructure attacks in Iran conflict | READ MORE → Powered by the McCrary Institute at Auburn University Get your cyber briefing Straight from our experts to your inbox
Undeclared North Korea: Sinpung-dong Missile Operating Base
Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. is a Senior Fellow for Imagery Analysis with the iDeas Lab and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Victor Cha is President of the Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Jennifer Jun is an Associate Fellow and Project Manager for Imagery Analysis with the iDeas Lab and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
North Korea's First Ballistic Missile Submarine Still Not Operational
, by , and Almost two years since its launching, North Korea’s first true ballistic missile submarine, the No. 841 Hero Kim Kun Ok, is not yet fully operational. Kim Jong-un considers the No. 841 Hero Kim Kun Ok a major component of not only “three-dimensional naval battles,” but also as the second leg of North Korea’s developing nuclear triad capable of “preemptive or retaliatory” strikes.
Chinese Platforms in the Yellow Sea's South Korea-China PMZ
Jennifer Jun is an Associate Fellow and Project Manager for Imagery Analysis with the iDeas Lab and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Victor Cha is President of the Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Suspected Uranium Enrichment Building at Yongbyon
Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. is a Senior Fellow for Imagery Analysis with the iDeas Lab and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Victor Cha is President of the Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Jennifer Jun is an Associate Fellow and Project Manager for Imagery Analysis with the iDeas Lab and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Raised Destroyer Arrives at Najin
Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. is a Senior Fellow for Imagery Analysis with the iDeas Lab and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Victor Cha is President of the Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Jennifer Jun is an Associate Fellow and Project Manager for Imagery Analysis with the iDeas Lab and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Second Choe Hyon Destroyer at Chongjin Raised
Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. is a Senior Fellow for Imagery Analysis with the iDeas Lab and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Victor Cha is President of the Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Jennifer Jun is an Associate Fellow and Project Manager for Imagery Analysis with the iDeas Lab and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Headline image Copyright © Planet 2025.
Salvage Operations Continue at Chongjin
Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. is a Senior Fellow for Imagery Analysis with the iDeas Lab and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Victor Cha is President of the Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department and Korea Chair the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Jennifer Jun is an Associate Fellow and Project Manager for Imagery Analysis with the iDeas Lab and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Failed Launch and Damage of the Second Guided Missile Destroyer
Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. is a Senior Fellow for Imagery Analysis with the iDeas Lab and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Victor Cha is President of the Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department and Korea Chair the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Jennifer Jun is an Associate Fellow and Project Manager for Imagery Analysis with the iDeas Lab and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Headline image Copyright © 2025 Airbus DS.
Yongdok-tong Nuclear High Explosives Test Facility: Part 3
, by , and This report is the third 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. It also serves as the most comprehensive report of the facility currently available at the unclassified level.1 Part 1 provides an overview of the facility and its development history from the 1980s to the 2000s.
Yongdok-tong Nuclear High Explosive Test Facility: Part 2
, by , and This report is 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. It also serves as the most comprehensive report of the facility currently available at the unclassified level.1 Part 1 provides an overview of the facility and its development history from the 1980s to the 2000s.
North Korea Launches the Choe Hyon Guided Missile Destroyer
Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. is a Senior Fellow for Imagery Analysis with the iDeas Lab and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Victor Cha is President of the Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department and Korea Chair the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Jennifer Jun is an Associate Fellow and Project Manager for Imagery Analysis with the iDeas Lab and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Headline image Copyright © KCNA.
Nampo Guided Missile Frigate Unwrapped
Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. is a Senior Fellow for Imagery Analysis with the iDeas Lab and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Victor Cha is President of the Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department and Korea Chair the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Jennifer Jun is an Associate Fellow and Project Manager for Imagery Analysis with the iDeas Lab and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Headline image Copyright © Planet 2025.
Yongdok-tong Nuclear High Explosive Test Facility: Part 1
, by , and 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.
Tumangang Road Bridge Construction Update
, by , and The new road bridge at the Tumangang-Khasan border constitutes more evidence of the burgeoning strategic partnership between Russia and North Korea. Recent satellite imagery shows the construction of the road bridge has stalled. Once completed, however, this will be the first bridge solely dedicated to vehicle traffic between North Korea and Russia. Ground construction continues on both sides, with significant grading in Russia and a new small concrete batch plant in North Korea.
North Korea Restores Uiju Airbase
Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. is a Senior Fellow for Imagery Analysis with the iDeas Lab and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Victor Cha is President of the Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department and Korea Chair the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Jennifer Jun is an Associate Fellow and Project Manager for Imagery Analysis with the iDeas Lab and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Headline image Copyright © Airbus DS 2025.
New Guided Missile Frigate Fitting Out at Nampo
, by and A new Maxar satellite image, acquired on April 6, 2025, provides the closest look to date of perhaps the largest North Korean-manufactured warship, a new naval guided missile frigate (FFG) at the Nampo Navy Shipyard’s “fitting out” dock.1 After a vessel is launched, it undergoes a “fitting out” process in which internal construction is completed, equipment is installed, and supplies are loaded before being handed over to the Navy.
North Korean Strategic UAV Activity at Panghyon Airbase
Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. is a Senior Fellow for Imagery Analysis with the iDeas Lab and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Victor Cha is President of the Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department and Korea Chair the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Jennifer Jun is an Associate Fellow and Project Manager for Imagery Analysis with the iDeas Lab and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Headline image Copyright © 2024 by Planet.
Surveying Hutchison’s Port-folio in Latin America: Strategic Vulnerability or Business as Usual?
China’s global network of ports has been the subject of growing anxiety among U.S. policymakers and defense analysts. Control over ports confers a host of benefits ranging from intelligence collection opportunities, to access to favorable shipping lanes, to even a limited power projection capability for the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).
Base Development in Mali Indicates Continued Russian Involvement
Russian forces in Mali have continued to develop their base in Bamako after the death of Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, who spearheaded Russia’s expansion into the country.
Recent Developments Along the China-North Korea Border
, by , and The North Korea-China border crossing at Sinuiju-Dandong is an immensely important trade point for North Korea as it is the country’s primary access point to its northern neighbor. Although activity at this border had dramatically decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, by November 2023, truck traffic significantly increased, and by mid-2024, satellite imagery showed consistently high levels of trade activity at key customs yards in both China and North Korea.
The Geopolitics of Port Security in the Americas
This commentary is one of a two-part series on China’s role in Western Hemisphere ports; read the other commentary here. “[T]he truth of the matter is that the People’s Republic of China is rapidly filling the vacuum created by the departure of American military forces from the isthmus [of Panama]. . .
Changes at Tumangang-Khasan Rail Crossing as DPRK-Russia Alliance Evolves
, by , and Approximate count of railcars at Tumangang and Khasan shows the high level of activity at the Russia-North Korea railroad crossing reported to be involved in export of Russian coal through North Korea over the past four months.
Enhancing Understanding of Yongbyon Through Thermal Imagery: Part 2
, by , and Thermal infrared (TIR) analysis via LANDSAT 8 and 9 imagery over two years provides key insights into Yongbyon nuclear facilities’ operations, highlighting the intricate strengths and limitations of thermal imagery for operational assessment. This part of the series builds upon the foundational methodology and findings presented in Part 1, offering a deeper dive into the operational nuances of the 5MWe Reactor and the Experimental Light Water Reactor.
Changes at North Korean Missile Operating Bases: Part 1
, by , and During the past five years, North Korea has undertaken numerous small and some significant changes at most of its ballistic missile operating bases. North Korea is not known to have ever made specific references to the existence of any of the ballistic missile operating bases identified in this report, which include the Hoejung-ni Missile Operating Base, the Kal-gol Missile Operating Base, and the Kumchon-ni Missile Operating Base.
Another Failed Satellite Launch at the Sohae Satellite Launching Station
, by , and The fourth launch attempt of the Malligyong-1 reconnaissance satellite on May 27, 2024, is a clear demonstration of the political importance assigned to satellite launches—particularly reconnaissance satellites—by Kim Jong-un and his desire to meet the goal of launching three satellites in 2024.
Vertical Engine Test and Ongoing Construction at the Sohae Satellite Launching Station
, by , and The exceptional number of construction resources and finances allocated to the Sohae Satellite Launching Station underscore North Korea’s stated intention to field a diverse rocket and missile complex capable of supporting the development and launch of larger and more sophisticated space launch vehicles (SLV), satellites, and long-range ballistic missiles.
Indications of Delayed Second Reconnaissance Satellite Launch at Sohae
, by , and North Korea has reportedly been preparing to launch its second reconnaissance satellite as part of its goal this year to launch three more after the first successful launch in November 2023. Movement observed at the VIP Observation Facility and the Administration and Security Headquarters suggests that a satellite launch was planned but was canceled for unknown reasons.
Ongoing Activity at Russia's Tikhoretsk Munitions Storage Facility
, by , and Satellite imagery from April 7, 2024, reveals an ongoing high-level utilization of the Tikhoretsk Munitions Storage Facility, with around 55% of its 280 storage revetments occupied—essentially the same as in February 2024. The number of railcars within the facility has decreased slightly to approximately 50 from approximately 60 in February.
Recent Activity Observed at Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Facility
, by , and A satellite image of the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Facility acquired on April 2, 2024, shows that the road leading into the portal for Tunnel No. 3 has been cleared of snow, indicating continuing low-level activity within the tunnel. At a minimum, it indicates that North Korea continues to be committed to maintaining the progress already achieved in the reenabling of Tunnel No. 3 and the general health of the facility.
Major Munitions Transfers from North Korea to Russia
, by , and Interactive Map of North Korean Munitions Routes to Russia. Zoom to view images and text. For full map view, click here. Ammunition supplies have become critical in the Ukraine war. CSIS studied hundreds of commercially available satellite images since August 2023 on the continuing transfer of large quantities of munitions between North Korea and Russia.
Miscalculation and Escalation over the Essequibo: New Insights into the Risks of Venezuela's Compellence Strategy
Audio Brief A short, spoken-word summary from CSIS’s Christopher Hernandez-Roy on his commentary with Rubi Bledsoe, Henry Ziemer, Joseph S.
Punggye-ri Declassified: Birth of North Korea's "Northern Nuclear Testing Site"
, by , and Although much has been written about the Punggye-ri Nuclear Testing Facility, identified by North Korea as the “Northern Nuclear Testing Site,” little is known at the unclassified level concerning the facility’s establishment. The first open source analysis of declassified satellite imagery by CSIS suggests that construction of the Testing Facility started as early as 1985 to 1986 as part of North Korea’s rapidly expanding nuclear infrastructure at that time.
Recent Activity Observed at Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Facility
, by , and Satellite image of the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Facility acquired on January 16, 2024, shows activity at the facility’s Main Administration and Support Area, Yongam-dong Command Center Area, and Kuok-tong Support Compound. However, it is likely that the activity in the Administration and Support Area is related to the ongoing maintenance of Tunnel No. 3 as no activity has been observed at the collapsed Tunnels No. 1, 2, and 4.
Activity at Najin Points to Continued DPRK-Russia Arms Transfers
, by , and Satellite imagery analysis of Najin Port over the past two months shows that the port has been handling a significantly high level of activity. Given the White House confirmation that the port has been involved in the transfer of North Korean munitions to Russia, the recently observed activities suggest that such transfer activities are continuing. In at least two instances, Russian vessels previously identified as being involved in these transfers are observed again at Najin Port.
Gaza's Solar Power in Wartime
In the aftermath of Hamas’s October 7 attack, the Israeli energy minister vowed “no electric switch will be turned on, no water tap will be opened, and no fuel truck will enter [Gaza] until the Israeli abductees are home.” Gaza is heavily reliant on Israel for the delivery of both electricity and diesel expressly for electricity generation, and it is experiencing widespread power outages as a result of Israel’s blockade.
Submarine Diplomacy
A Snapshot of China's Influence along the Bay of Bengal By Matthew P. Funaiole, Brian Hart, Aidan Powers-Riggs, and Jennifer Jun November 17, 2023 China is quietly deepening its influence along the Bay of Bengal, a region intimately linked to Beijing’s expanding overseas interests. Commercial satellite imagery reveals that China has made significant progress on a naval base it is constructing for Bangladesh’s military.
Dramatic Increase in DPRK-Russia Border Rail Traffic After Kim-Putin Summit - Beyond Parallel
, by , and Satellite imagery of North Korea’s Tumangang Rail Facility at the border with Russia captured on October 5, 2023, shows an unprecedented number of freight railcars, totaling approximately 73 railcars. The level of rail traffic is far greater than what Beyond Parallel has observed at the facility during the past five years, even compared to pre-Covid-19 levels.
North Korea Launches New Ballistic Missile Submarine - Beyond Parallel
, by , and North Korea launched a new ballistic missile submarine, the Hero Kim Kun Ok, on September 6, 2023, at the Sinpo South Shipyard with Kim Jong-un in attendance. The “tactical nuclear submarine No. 841” is diesel-powered and assessed to be capable of carrying nuclear-armed missiles.
A Wolf in Ship’s Clothing: Russia’s Militarization of Civilian Vessels in the Black Sea
Audio Brief A short, spoken-word summary from CSIS’s Alexander Palmer on his commentary with Delaney Duff, Jennifer Jun, and Joseph Bermudez, A Wolf in Ship’s Clothing: Russia’s Militarization of Civilian Vessels in the Black Sea. Recent satellite imagery indicates that Russia is using civilian ships to move arms between Novorossiysk, Russia, and Tartus, Syria. The observed activity undermines recent Russian accusations that Ukraine has unjustifiably attacked Russian civilian ships.
Base Expansion in Mali Indicates Growing Wagner Group Investment
Despite continued uncertainty about the future of the Wagner Group and its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, recent satellite imagery indicates that the private military company (PMC) is not only staying in Mali but is actively expanding its base capacity in Bamako and may intend to transfer additional valuable military equipment there in the near future.
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