Kang said while North Korea needs a spy satellite to improve its monitoring of South Korea, the launch is also aimed at bolstering its long-range missile program. He said the North would likely launch the satellite before Nov. 30, when South Korea plans to launch its first military spy satellite from California’s Vandenberg Air Force Base. Kang didn’t explicitly say what retaliatory steps South Korea could take if North Korea makes a third launch. He said South Korea’s aerial reconnaissance designed to monitor North Korea’s forward-deployed artillery guns has been significantly restricted by the 2018 deal. AdvertisementYoon’s liberal rivals said the suspension of the 2018 deal would provide North Korea with yet another excuse to launch provocations.

Source: The North Africa Journal November 20, 2023 04:37 UTC