North Korea Threatens To Destroy US Spy Satellites, South Korea Counters

North Korea has issued a stark warning to the United States. They’ve threatened to “destroy” US spy satellites if there is any attempt by Washington to attack North Korea’s space assets. 

This comes after North Korea launched its own spy satellite, which they claim is their first military satellite in space. A spokesperson for North Korea’s defense ministry stated that any attack on their space asset would be considered a “declaration of war.”

The situation became tense following a remark from a US official. Sheryll Klinkel, a spokesperson at the US Space Command, stated that the US could potentially “deny an adversary’s space and counter-space capabilities” through various means. 

This statement was made in response to North Korea’s successful spy satellite launch in late November, which has raised significant concerns.

The launch of the North Korean satellite, “Malligyong-1,” is significant as it indicates an improvement in North Korea’s intelligence-gathering capabilities, particularly over South Korea. This satellite could provide crucial data in any military conflict, enhancing North Korea’s strategic position.

In response to this development, South Korea has launched its first military spy satellite. Launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, this satellite is the first of five that South Korea plans to send into space by 2025. South Korea’s initiative is seen as a direct countermeasure to North Korea’s satellite capabilities.

The presence of spy satellites significantly boosts South Korea’s defense against North Korea. When operated alongside South Korea’s ‘three-axis system’ – which includes preemptive strike, missile defense, and retaliatory assets – these satellites provide a substantial enhancement to South Korea’s military surveillance and strategic planning capabilities.

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The international community, including the United States, South Korea, and others, has reacted strongly to North Korea’s satellite launches. These launches are seen as violations of multiple UN Security Council resolutions that ban satellite launches by North Korea, viewing them as covers for testing long-range missile technology.