Kim Directs to Proceed with Military Reconnaissance Satellite Launch Plan

Official media in North Korea reported today, Wednesday, that "leader Kim Jong Un has instructed officials to proceed with plans to launch the first military reconnaissance satellite as scheduled, stating that enhancing reconnaissance capabilities is a priority to counter American and South Korean threats." North Korea conducted what it termed a "significant test in the final stage" of a reconnaissance satellite last December, indicating that it "will complete preparations for its launch in April." The Korean Central News Agency mentioned that "Kim urged during a visit to the National Development Administration yesterday, Tuesday, to deploy the satellite as planned and ordered the launch of multiple reconnaissance satellites into different orbits to strengthen the country's monitoring capabilities." Kim noted that "obtaining information about the military scenarios of hostile forces as they occur is of utmost importance," condemning "the deployment of U.S. strategic equipment in the region," describing it as an "attempt to turn South Korea into a forward base for aggression and a war arsenal."