A mobile missile force would be dispersed in a number of storage locations, and the launchers would be used to deploy them prior to use, or to protct them from attack. Knowing something about the launch vehicle capability would allow you to identify depot and support facilities, and possible locations of a deployed force so you could take them out.

And of course, all these activities would be constantly drilled and practiced according to a variety of different war scenarios, so your crews would be able to respond flexibly. You can monitor these activities, and deduce capability.

I used to do this kind of work…

The smart intelligence analyst would be taking a close look at the launchers, which are harder to fake,and will show signs of normal wear and tear if they have been used in exercises and drills. They also give us a chance to see what Red Chinese gear looks like (I suspect those launchers were not developed or even built locally, they are probably People’s Army surplus.) A fake missile can quickly be prepared for little effort or expense. A proper missile launcher/transporter is a pretty sophisticated and expensive piece of gear,

The very existence of mobile launchers tells you something. You make your weapons mobile to protect them from an enemy first strike. If you plan to shoot first, you don’t bother with them.

If at the moment the drums were beating, the article would have been about how large the launchers are, how many missiles there were, what the calculated range and payloads are, and how the warmongers have not only the will but now the way to attack. (Ignoring the reality that any attack anywhere would result in a massive counter-strike followed by occupation of whatever remains. North Korea against the world is not a great game.)

The other option is to make fun of them. I know the US routinely makes fun of it’s enemies, until it wants to make war. Saddam had squat until Bush wanted to go to war. Then he had the 3rd, or 4th, or 5th largest army in the world, the Republican guards and WMDs including an incipient nuclear weapon.

I would be surprised if North Korea had many copies of a viable long-range missile, and if they did they’d be out there in public. Their perception of a hostile world is such that they have to be like that lizard with the huge collar that expands at a threat. They need to appear well armed. They know what happens to the “Axis of Evil”.