World
More military satellites, drones coming in North Korea’s 2024 space push
By Jake Beardslee · December 30, 2023
In brief…
- North Korea plans to launch 3 more military spy satellites and build drones in 2024
- Announcement made by Kim Jong Un at major year-end policy meeting
- Comes after North Korea claimed first successful satellite launch in November
North Korea is looking to significantly expand its space program in 2024, according to state media reports on Sunday. The plans include launching three additional military reconnaissance satellites and developing unmanned aerial vehicles.
“Because of reckless moves by the enemies to invade us, it is a fait accompli that a war can break out at any time on the Korean peninsula,” Kim Jong-un said, according to North Korean state news agency KCNA.
This comes after North Korea claimed it successfully launched its first military spy satellite in November, which purportedly transmitted imagery of locations including the White House and Pentagon. That launch followed two failed attempts with North Korea’s new Chollima-1 rocket.
The November launch sparked fresh sanctions from the U.S., Australia, Japan and South Korea, as it raised regional tensions. Kim said the confrontational moves by the U.S. leave North Korea no other option but to continue forward with developing its nuclear capabilities, Reuters reported.
He also declared that the possibility of unifying with South Korea has now been ruled out, signaling a hardening stance toward the South.
Experts believe Russian aid likely contributed to the success of North Korea’s recent satellite launch, though it’s unclear how much direct help Moscow provided, according to Reuters. Earlier last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin had pledged to assist North Korea in building satellites.