Kim Jong Un has instructed North Korea’s military to create a unified satellite command system. The system will link reconnaissance satellites with the Reconnaissance General Bureau (RGB). Leaders plan to analyze enemy movements and issue operational orders immediately. This effort reflects the regime’s goal to modernize military command and control capabilities. Observers see it as a major step in strengthening North Korea’s intelligence operations.
A military source reported that the Central Military Commission issued a directive signed by Kim. The order connects intelligence from satellites to the General Satellite Control Center in real time. Five specialized agencies, including the RGB and the Electronic Weapons Institute, now form a task force to implement the North Korea satellite system. The goal is to integrate data, communications, and operational units into one cohesive network. Authorities are focusing on improving coordination across all military intelligence channels.
The system will accelerate satellite imagery processing, combine signals and communications intelligence, and relay commands automatically to operational units. Authorities also plan to duplicate fiber-optic cables and strengthen defenses against electronic warfare. Additionally, the order calls for an integrated platform to process satellite and electronic intelligence simultaneously. Analysts suggest this platform will allow faster decision-making and operational control during crises.
The initiative follows North Korea’s launch of the Malligyong-1 reconnaissance satellite. While the regime claimed the launch succeeded, independent verification remains unavailable. The General Satellite Control Center, built in Pyongyang in 2015, will expand to support the new command system. Authorities are simultaneously moving facilities underground and diversifying communication frequencies to protect critical infrastructure. These steps aim to prevent potential disruption of operations during wartime.
Observers note that North Korea still faces technical challenges. Real-time satellite data processing requires high-speed networks and large-scale computing, which the country may lack. However, military sources argue that even partial functionality of the North Korea satellite system could pose a significant threat in operational scenarios. The initiative demonstrates the regime’s commitment to advancing military intelligence and command capabilities.
