In a major policy-setting year-end meeting, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un outlined the country’s objectives for the upcoming year, including the launch of three additional military reconnaissance satellites and the development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to bolster its military capabilities.
Kim emphasized the necessity to advance North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and strengthen ties with anti-US countries, citing unprecedented confrontational moves by the U.S., likely including Russia in his reference.
The plan builds on North Korea’s reported success in launching its first military spy satellite in 2023, which transmitted images of key U.S. locations. The leader stated that the experience gained from this successful launch would drive the development of space science and technology.
Kim also declared that any possibility of unification with South Korea is now ruled out, calling for a fundamental change in the country’s principles and direction towards its southern neighbor.
This announcement comes amid heightened regional tensions and follows North Korea’s recent successful satellite launch, which was preceded by two failed attempts in the previous year.
Analysts speculate on the impact of Russian assistance, with President Vladimir Putin pledging support to North Korea’s satellite-building efforts. The international community, including the U.S., Australia, Japan, and South Korea, responded with fresh sanctions.
Despite the success of the recent satellite launch, North Korea has not released imagery from the new satellite, leading to ongoing debates about its capabilities.
By Reuters
