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    South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) has warned lawmakers that North Korea is preparing to launch an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and another reconnaissance satellite. The NIS reported these findings during a closed committee session of the National Assembly’s Intelligence Committee.

The NIS informed lawmakers that it has detected active movements of ICBM launch support vehicles in Pyongyang, indicating North Korea’s preparations for a long-range missile launch. This timing aligns with the upcoming trilateral summit between South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, U.S. President Joe Biden, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Additionally, the NIS identified other indications suggesting an upcoming ICBM launch, such as frequent shipments from a factory involved in manufacturing liquid-fuel propellant and unusually active vehicle movements near solid-fuel missile production facilities. The agency expects North Korea to conduct a joint drill involving its various military branches, including the force responsible for launching missiles mounted with tactical nuclear weapons.

The NIS also revealed that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has prioritized completing technical preparations for launching a military reconnaissance satellite in the second half of the year. If the issues that led to the failure of the previous reconnaissance satellite are resolved, the second launch attempt might occur in late August or early September, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the North Korean regime on September 9.

According to the NIS, North Korea has been conducting intensive engine combustion tests since July to verify the reliability of the satellite launch vehicle. South Korean reconnaissance assets have observed new installations of satellite antennas for tracking the launch rocket and receiving data transmissions.

The NIS explained that North Korea attributes the failure of its first reconnaissance satellite to engine defects, and the ongoing tests aim to address these flaws.

(Source: The Korea JoongAng Daily)

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