Kim inspects DPRK's first reconnaissance satellite: State media

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
17 May 2023 08:06

Kim accuses the United States and South Korea of escalating "confrontational moves" against the DPRK.

DPRK leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter Kim Ju Ae inspect the country's first reconnaissance satellite (KCNA)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has inspected the DPRK's first reconnaissance satellite and gave the go-ahead for its "future action plan," state media confirmed on Wednesday.

Kim met with the Non-permanent Satellite Launch Preparatory Committee on Tuesday before viewing the satellite, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.

A month ago, Kim said construction of the satellite was completed and gave the green light for its launch.

That report on April 18 came about a week after Pyongyang launched its new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile, marking a major breakthrough in its weapons programs.

On Tuesday, "after acquainting himself in detail with the work of the committee, (Kim) inspected the military reconnaissance satellite No. 1, which is ready for loading after undergoing the final general assembly check and space environment test," KCNA said.

NEW: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited the country’s space agency to review preparations for a military spy satellite, state media reported Wednesday.

The visit marks his first reported public appearance in a month.

More soon @nknewsorg pic.twitter.com/tISPjj4iFJ
— NK NEWS (@nknewsorg) May 16, 2023

Kim accused the United States and South Korea of escalating "confrontational moves" against the DPRK and said his country will exercise its right to self-defense.

The DPRK leader then "approved the future action plan of the preparatory committee," KCNA added.

The development of a reconnaissance satellite was one of the key defense projects outlined by Kim in 2021.

In December 2022, the DPRK said it had carried out an "important final-stage test" for the development of a reconnaissance satellite, which it said would be completed by April this year.

Pyongyang has not provided a launch date, though last month Kim said the satellite would be sent up "at the planned date."

The DPRK declared itself an "irreversible" nuclear power last year. Washington and Seoul have ramped up security cooperation, staging provocative joint military exercises with advanced stealth jets and high-profile US strategic assets.

In response, the DPRK said it views such exercises as rehearsals for invasion and described them as "frantic" drills "simulating an all-out war against" Pyongyang.