Will Never Give Up Space Reconnaissance Programme, Says Kim Jong Un

Seoul: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un says the ability to conduct space reconnaissance is crucial for national self-defence and protection of the country’s sovereignty and North Korea will never give up efforts to possess it, state media said on Wednesday. North Korea’s attempt to launch a spy satellite on Monday failed after the first stage booster exploded in flight. Kim made the remarks during his visit to the country’s Academy of Defence Sciences, KCNA news agency said.
Kim Says Satellite Is Crucial To National Self-Defence
“Possessing military reconnaissance satellites is a crucial task to strengthen national self-defence deterrence and protect national sovereignty and security from potential threats … due to U.S. military acts and provocations,” he said.
Kim Criticises South Korea Saying Playing With Fire
Kim assailed South Korea for criticising the satellite launch and said Seoul was “playing with fire” by putting on a show of force and conducting drills involving fighter jets. Hours after the launch by the North late on Monday, South Korea deployed fighter jets including the F-35 stealth fighter to conduct “attack drills” in a show of force.
South Korean and US warplanes are conducting separate drills this week over the naval hotspot near the two Korea’s west sea maritime border.