North Korea has informed Japan of its plan to launch a space rocket sometime between Wednesday and December 1. This would mark the regime’s third attempt to put a military spy satellite into orbit. The North has notified Japan’s Coast Guard that the launch will take place in the direction of the Yellow Sea and East China Sea.

South Korea has raised concerns that Pyongyang may proceed with the launch as early as this week, urging the regime to immediately halt the launch preparations. Initially planned for October, the North postponed the launch, leading to speculation that more time was needed for preparation.

There has been speculation that Russia may have provided military technology and support to North Korea in exchange for military equipment and munitions for use in Ukraine. Both Seoul and Washington have warned against the launch, as it would be a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions prohibiting the use of ballistic missile technology.

Lt. Gen. Kang Ho-pil, chief director of operations at South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated that necessary measures would be taken should the North proceed with the launch. Observers believe that the North aims to enhance its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, as it currently lags behind its allies in this area despite its focus on developing various weapons systems.

As the situation unfolds, it is important to monitor North Korea’s actions and responses from the international community.