NKorean Leader Orders Launch of 1st Spy Satellite as Planned

World

April 19th, 5:10am

Asharq A-Awsat

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. AFP

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has said preparations for the planned launch of the country's first spy satellite should go ahead to counter what he called threats from the United States and South Korea, state media reported on Wednesday. Analysts say the military satellite is part of the reclusive, nuclear-armed state's efforts to advance surveillance technology, including drones, to improve its ability to strike targets in the event of a conflict. North Korea in December conducted what it called an important "final phase" test for the spy satellite and said it would complete preparations for the launch by April. At that time, it released grainy black and white images of the South Korean capital Seoul, which it said had been taken during the test. During a visit to the official space agency on Tuesday, Kim told officials to ensure the launch went ahead on time, and also ordered a series of more reconnaissance satellites to be launched, state news agency KCNA said. KCNA said the satellite production has been completed but it did not elaborate when the launch is scheduled for.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/4282111/nkorean-leader-orders-launch-1st-spy-satellite-planned