Defense supplies in South Korea and Japan increased after North Korea declared plans to launch its first-ever military surveillance satellite.
Ri Pyong Chol, a military official in North Korea, stated on Monday, May 29, that Pyongyang intends to launch a satellite for the purpose of monitoring what they perceive as the “dangerous” actions of the United States, such as the recent joint military exercises conducted with South Korea.
Satellite Launch as Evidence of Aggressive Military
According to North Korea, this satellite launch serves as conclusive evidence of the enemy’s preparations for aggressive military action against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, as the country is formally known.
The scheduled launch of the satellite is planned for June. Ri claims that it will play a crucial role in monitoring the United States and its allied forces as they engage in reckless acts of military aggression, allowing for preemptive preparations.
“Given the current situation created by the reckless military actions of the United States and South Korea, we keenly recognize the need to enhance our reconnaissance and information capabilities, improve defensive and offensive weaponry, and adhere to set timetables for their development,” Ri added.
Read more: FBI Faces Tight Deadline To Expose Alleged $5 Million Bribery Scandal Involving Joe Biden
Enhanced Targeting Capability
Following a public holiday on Monday, when trading resumed on Tuesday, May 30, investors in South Korean military firms Firstec and Victek witnessed a 3.8% and 3.3% increase in share prices, respectively.
In addition, Korea Aerospace Industries experienced a 0.6% gain.
Hosoya Pyro-Engineering, a Japanese military enterprise, saw a 1.11% rise, while Mitsubishi Electric Corp climbed by 0.16%.
Japan’s Ministry of Defense issued a stern warning, affirming that the country would take all necessary measures to intercept and destroy any North Korean missile that lands on Japanese territory, citing Pyongyang’s frequent ballistic missile tests as a threat to regional and global stability.
Professor Stephen Nagy from International Christian University suggested that the upcoming launch might involve testing an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). He further noted that this would demonstrate North Korea’s enhanced capability to target not only US forces in the Pacific but also those on the mainland.
As Washington’s foreign policy focus remains on China and Taiwan, Nagy opined that the recent declaration from Pyongyang serves as a signal to the United States to take North Korea more seriously and to return to the negotiation table.
Read more: Air New Zealand To Require Weighing Passengers Before They Board Planes
