Seoul: South Korea plans to launch two additional military spy satellites this year, aiming to complete the deployment of five satellites to enhance surveillance of North Korean threats, the defense ministry announced. This initiative forms part of South Korea's broader strategy outlined in its policy goals for 2025, following the successful launch of its third spy satellite last month.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the satellite program is intended to reduce South Korea's reliance on U.S. satellite imagery concerning North Korea, thereby boosting Seoul's independent surveillance capabilities. The first spy satellite was launched in December 2023, with the second following in April. Upon the deployment of all five satellites, South Korea is expected to monitor North Korea every two hours.

The defense ministry also aims to counter North Korean missile threats by initiating mass production of the Long-range Surface-to-Air Missile (L-SAM) system in the first quarter of the year. This follows the completion of its development last year. The L-SAM is intended to intercept incoming aerial targets at altitudes of 50-60 kilometers, complementing South Korea's missile defense systems, which include the M-SAM system and the U.S.-supplied Patriot Advanced Capability-3 system.

Additionally, the ministry plans to nearly double the number of combined brigade-level exercises with the United States to 18 during their annual spring exercise period this year, up from 10 last year. Regarding the Nuclear Consultative Group, the ministry seeks to establish a communication system for sharing sensitive information and consultative procedures for nuclear operations on the Korean Peninsula. Efforts will also focus on integrating South Korea's conventional capabilities with U.S. nuclear assets and expanding table-top exercises simulating a North Korean nuclear attack.

The consultative body was established in 2023 to enhance the credibility of the U.S. commitment to defending South Korea with all military capabilities, including nuclear. South Korea, lacking its own nuclear weapons, relies on the U.S. nuclear umbrella for its security. The ministry has also promised more cooperation with the U.S. under the incoming Donald Trump administration, including maintenance, repair, and overhaul projects for U.S. warships.