There is also the view that “it may take time to obtain technological cooperation from Russia.”
While North Korea’s plan to launch a third military reconnaissance satellite in October is presumed to have been aborted, the Japanese government continues to make every effort to maintain vigilance and surveillance, Japanese public broadcaster NHK reported on the 1st.
Immediately after the failure of the second launch on August 24, it was announced through the foreign media Korean Central News Agency that the third launch would be held in October, but as of the 1st, there have been no significant signs.
According to NHK, there is speculation within the Japanese government that North Korea is making careful preparations because failure is no longer acceptable, and that it is taking time to obtain technical cooperation from Russia.
There is also a view within the Japanese government that North Korea may attempt a launch in November or December.
Accordingly, the Japanese government is deploying an Aegis ship equipped with an interceptor missile in the East China Sea and a ground-based interceptor missile (PAC3) unit in Okinawa Prefecture in preparation for a satellite falling into its territory. We are continuing to do our best to maintain vigilance and surveillance.
Previously, North Korea launched reconnaissance satellites twice in May and August and quickly acknowledged the failure through the Korean Central News Agency. At the time of the second failure, North Korea claimed that it was due to a minor defect and announced a third launch in October, but as of November 1, there have been no signs of launch.
North Korea, which has insisted that the satellite launch is part of peaceful space development activities, notified the International Maritime Organization (IMO) of its launch plan prior to launch in order to secure legitimacy. There is a possibility that it will be launched after notification this time as well.
North Korea’s launch of a satellite using virtually the same technology used in intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) is a violation of UN Security Council resolutions.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.