Placing a surveillance satellite in orbit is a key goal of the North Korean leader’s military strategy.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has said his country has completed development of its first military spy satellite, according to state media, and has ordered officials to go ahead with a planned launch.
Kim, who visited the country’s National Aerospace Development Administration, said developing reconnaissance capabilities was a priority to counter “threats” from the United States and South Korea and that several satellites were needed to firmly establish a gathering capability. of intelligence, reports the state’s KCNA news. The agency reports this on Wednesday.
Kim pushed for the satellite to be deployed as planned, but did not comment on the launch date.
In December, North Korea conducted what it called a major “final stage” test for a spy satellite and said it would complete preparations for launch in April.
“Securing real-time information about the military scenario of the hostile forces” is the “most important” task, Kim said.
Kim also accused the US and South Korea of expanding hostile military campaigns in the name of strengthening their alliance, claiming that the US was trying to “turn South Korea into an advanced base for aggression and an arsenal for war” by military resources such as aircraft. aircraft carriers and nuclear-capable bombers in the region.
The US and South Korean militaries have expanded their combined exercises to bolster their deterrence against North Korea’s growing nuclear threat. This week they launched a 12-day air exercise with some 110 fighter jets and organized a one-day naval missile defense exercise with Japan.
Kim accused the US of trying to “turn South Korea into an advanced base for aggression and an arsenal for war” by deploying military assets such as aircraft carriers and nuclear-capable bombers in the region.
State media shared a photo of Kim talking to officials in front of a blurry image of an apparent satellite. He was accompanied by his daughter who has been pictured with her father at several recent missile launches and military events.
North Korea conducted a record number of missile tests in 2022 and has conducted about 30 since the start of the year as Kim seeks to modernize and improve the country’s military prowess.
Last week, Pyongyang tested what it said was a solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), a major breakthrough, and has also developed a nuclear submarine, a hypersonic missile and a multi-warhead missile, though it’s not clear if they’re nearly operational.
Observers say that while North Korea has complained about the US-South Korean exercises, it is also using them as a pretext to boost its capabilities and is stepping up pressure on Washington to make concessions.
“As the US and South Korea make plans to further tighten their military posture towards the DPRK… it is natural for the DPRK to develop its military deterrent strong enough to cope with the dire security situation right now and in the future,” Kim said. , according to KCNA.
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) is the official name of the country.
To put a spy satellite into orbit, a long-range missile is needed. But these launches have been banned by the United Nations, which sees such activities as a cover for testing long-range ballistic missile technology.
Pyongyang placed its first and second Earth-observing satellites in orbit in 2012 and 2016, triggering new UN sanctions, but foreign experts say neither image has returned to North Korea.
Despite continued weapons testing in violation of UN resolutions, North Korea has avoided fresh censorship as Russia and China – permanent members of the UN Security Council with veto power – have refused to support efforts by the US and others to tighten sanctions to support.