North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has disclosed that his country has just completed the development of its first military spy satellite even as he ordered officials to proceed with a planned launch.
According to state local media, Kim, who was visiting the country’s National Aerospace Development Administration, pointed out that developing reconnaissance capabilities was a priority to counter “threats” from the United States and South Korea and that several satellites were necessary to firmly establish an intelligence-gathering capability, the state’s KCNA news agency reported on Wednesday.
Kim called for the deployment of the satellite as scheduled but did not elaborate on the launch date.
Africa Today News, New York recalls that in December, North Korea conducted what it called an important “final phase” test for a spy satellite and said it would complete preparations for the launch by April.
‘Securing real-time information about the hostile forces’ military scenario’ is the “most important” task, Kim said.
Kim also accused the US and South Korea of expanding hostile military campaigns in the name of bolstering their alliance and claimed the US was trying to ‘to turn South Korea into an advanced base for aggression and an arsenal for war’ by deploying military assets like aircraft carriers and nuclear-capable bombers in the region.
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The US and South Korean militaries have been expanding their combined drills to beef up their deterrence against North Korea’s growing nuclear threats. This week, they launched a 12-day aerial exercise involving some 110 warplanes and staged a one-day naval missile defence 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 like aircraft carriers and nuclear-capable bombers in the region.
State media shared a photo of Kim talking to officials in front of a blurred-out 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 carried out a record number of missile tests in 2022 and has conducted about 30 since the start of this year as Kim looks to modernise and advance the country’s military prowess.
Recall that last week, Pyongyang tested what it said was a solid-fuelled Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), a significant breakthrough, and has also developed a nuclear-power submarine, a hypersonic missile and a multi-warhead missile although it is not clear if they are close to operational.
Observers say that while North Korea complains about the US-South Korean drills, it also uses them as a pretext to advance its capabilities and ratchet up the pressure on Washington to make concessions.