When Will North Korea's Military Reconnaissance Satellite Be Launched?

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (Photo via KCNA)

JAKARTA - North Korea has successfully completed the development of its first military spy satellite. And Kim Jong-un wants this satellite to be launched immediately.

In the North Korea National Aerospace Development Administration, Jong-un said the reconnaissance satellite was prepared to counter "threats" from the United States and South Korea. Several satellites are under development for the ability to gather strong intelligence, as reported by Al Jazeera, citing KCNA coverage, Wednesday, April 19.

Kim urged the deployment of satellites on schedule but did not specify the launch date.

In December, North Korea carried out what it called an important "final phase" test for spy satellites and said it would complete preparations for launch in April.

"Securing real-time information about the military scenario of enemy forces is the most important task", Kim said.

Kim also accused the US and South Korea of expanding a hostile military campaign on behalf of strengthening their alliance and claiming the US was seeking to "turn South Korea into an advanced base for aggression and an arsenal for war" by deploying military assets such as aircraft aircraft. nuclear-capable aircraft carriers and bombers in the region.

The US and South Korean military have expanded their joint exercises to strengthen their deterrence against North Korea's growing nuclear threat. This week, they launched 12-day air drills involving about 110 warplanes and conducted 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 a arsenal for war" by deploying military assets such as aircraft carriers and nuclear-capable bombers in the region.

State media shared photos of Kim talking to officials in front of a blurry satellite image. She was accompanied by her daughter who had been photographed with her father at several recent missile launches and military events.

North Korea conducted a number of missile tests in 2022 and has been doing about 30 times since the start of this year as Kim wants to modernize and advance the country's military prowess.