North Korea announced on Wednesday that it had successfully launched a spy satellite into orbit, marking its third launch attempt this year. The country’s space authorities stated that the Malligyong-1 satellite was placed into orbit on Tuesday night after liftoff from the country’s main launch center. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed the launch and stated that it would enhance their war readiness in response to hostile military moves from their rivals.

Although the launch has not been independently confirmed, it is expected to face strong condemnation from the United States and its partners. The United Nations bans North Korea from conducting satellite launches, as they are seen as cover for missile technology tests. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stressed that the launch was a clear violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions and posed a serious threat to public safety.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has expressed a keen interest in modernizing the country’s weapons systems, especially spy satellites, to counter perceived U.S. threats. North Korea had previously attempted two satellite launches earlier in the year, but both ended in failure due to technical issues. The delay in the third launch was attributed to the country seeking Russian technological assistance for their satellite launch program.

North Korea and Russia have been strengthening their relationship in recent months, with North Korea allegedly supplying conventional arms to Russia in exchange for assistance in enhancing its military programs. However, both countries have denied these allegations, which would violate U.N. bans on weapons trading involving North Korea.

These recent developments raise concerns about North Korea’s missile capabilities. If they succeed in launching a military reconnaissance satellite, it would indicate a higher level of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capabilities. South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol emphasized the need for reinforced countermeasures in response to this threat.

In total, North Korea has conducted about 100 missile tests since last year, with the goal of establishing a reliable arsenal of nuclear weapons targeting the United States and its allies. While some experts believe they still need to master certain technologies to acquire functioning nuclear missiles, possessing a rocket capable of placing a satellite into orbit is seen as a significant step towards achieving this goal.

The United States, South Korea, and Japan have urged North Korea to cancel the launch, citing violations of U.N. Security Council resolutions. However, permanent council members Russia and China have prevented any Security Council response. The international community remains concerned about North Korea’s continued missile and nuclear development and the destabilizing impact it may have on regional security.