Despite ongoing recovery efforts over the past four months, the 11th Military Factory in Seonggan County, Jagang Province, has yet to be fully restored after severe flooding in late July, which damaged key infrastructure and production facilities.
The Seonggan 11th Factory is a vital military site responsible for producing precision guidance systems, communication devices, surveillance equipment, and GPS receivers for missiles, fighter jets, and warships.
According to a Daily NK, citing a source in Jagang Province, despite round-the-clock recovery efforts, the factory is still facing significant challenges in restoring its core production capabilities and infrastructure.
The factory suffered severe damage when floodwaters inundated its internal areas and tunnels, destroying precision communication and guidance equipment production lines, as well as electronic components being manufactured at the time.
Initial recovery efforts were hampered by power outages and transportation disruptions, delaying the removal of floodwaters and the restoration of basic facilities. In August and early September, efforts were focused on securing additional materials and equipment, but sourcing supplies proved difficult.
The affected area is home to key military facilities, including a brigade under the North Korean Strategic Forces responsible for operating intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), which are crucial to the country’s nuclear strategy.
A source from the military reported that the region, far from the Amnok (Yalu) River and situated at a high elevation, had not been prone to flooding. However, flash floods from mountain valleys caused unexpected damage. The torrents of water that surged down mountainsides flooded underground missile storage tunnels and personnel bunkers, causing significant damage to the overall bunker complex.
The source also revealed that the brigade commander and political officer of the ICBM unit were dismissed and sent to a military court, leaving behind serious repercussions within the unit.
Although the missile facility’s damage was partial, North Korean authorities have labeled the incident a “disaster management failure,” resulting in significant military losses. A storm of controversy erupted over the leadership’s failure to manage strategic assets and the military command structure. The dismissed commanders were reportedly sentenced to hard labor in mid-November.
With road and rail infrastructure destroyed by the flooding, recovery work has been delayed, and parts of the tunnels remain unusable. The source noted that full restoration of the missile storage tunnels and personnel bunkers will require specialized materials and expertise, and it may take more time due to the added challenge of the cold weather.
The flood has highlighted the critical need for reinforced waterproofing and foundation strengthening at missile sites, revealing flaws in the design of important military infrastructure and leaving valuable lessons for the future.
BY YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.youngnam@koreadaily.com]
