North Korea plans to launch three more military reconnaissance satellites in 2024. The country has also included the construction of unmanned military aircraft in its plans for the new year, according to state news agency KCNA.
The plans were presented at an annual party meeting chaired by Kim Jong-un. The North Korean leader addressed the meeting. He also said in his speech that North Korea has no choice but to pursue its nuclear ambitions and strengthen ties with countries opposed to the United States because the country has taken “unprecedented confrontational steps” against Pyongyang.
Kim also said that reunification with South Korea is out of the question and that North Korea must fundamentally change its attitude towards the neighboring country.
North Korea says it launched its first military spy satellite, the Malligyong-1, on November 21, which is said to have transmitted photos of the White House, the Pentagon, US military bases and “targets” in South Korea. Pyongyang never released those images.
Expansion of missile arsenal
If the Malligyong-1 does indeed work well, it will significantly strengthen Pyongyang’s military strength. North Korea is now one of four countries, alongside the US, Russia and China, developing hypersonic missiles. Despite UN sanctions, efforts are underway to expand the missile arsenal. The North Korean army now has long-range missiles that can hit the US and modern submarine missiles.
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