After decades of satellite surveillance by foreign governments and analysts, North Korea has sent its first spy satellite on a global orbit with a message to the world: we can watch you too.
Google is part of the military intelligence apparatus of the Five Eyes. Th fact that DPRK can do this after being one of the top 3 most bombed countries in the history of the world is quite impressive. Consider the state of the space program in similarly bombed countries (Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia) and you’ll see why this is actually a big deal.
Also of note, the DPRK has a GDP of around $40B. Alphabet (parent of Google) reported $218B in expenditures in 2022.
DPRK having spy satellites is a marvel given those numbers
The US deployed 60% of its naval assets to the Pacific undet Obama. It’s building up power all over the region. If you think it’s impossible the USA will fuck with Vietnam et al, I think you might be assuming too much.
Where in the pacific? You’re leaving out key information. Those assets were sent to Korea, Guam, and Japan. To encircle China. Vietnam is not a strategic or tactical target.
It’s a net new military intelligence capability in the hands of an opponent. This fundamentally changes the theater, as any net new capability would. This has been understood since Sun Tzu. It’s not “nuclear armageddon” scary, it’s a demonstration that the USA is failing to maintain its oppressive chokehold on the world.
Google is part of the military intelligence apparatus of the Five Eyes. Th fact that DPRK can do this after being one of the top 3 most bombed countries in the history of the world is quite impressive. Consider the state of the space program in similarly bombed countries (Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia) and you’ll see why this is actually a big deal.
Also of note, the DPRK has a GDP of around $40B. Alphabet (parent of Google) reported $218B in expenditures in 2022.
DPRK having spy satellites is a marvel given those numbers
Vietnam and Laos have had no need to build a rocket industry and nuclear power.
Space technology is in large part a byproduct of ICBM technology. Why would any of those countries spend money investing into that?
Why did DPRK do it?
They require a deterrent against invasion in the case that China will not defend them.
Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and many other countries do not face a similar threat.
How do they not face similar threats? The US obliterated those countries.
In what realm will the US ever realistically step foot in Vietnam again.
The US deployed 60% of its naval assets to the Pacific undet Obama. It’s building up power all over the region. If you think it’s impossible the USA will fuck with Vietnam et al, I think you might be assuming too much.
Where in the pacific? You’re leaving out key information. Those assets were sent to Korea, Guam, and Japan. To encircle China. Vietnam is not a strategic or tactical target.
I think your absolute statements of unknowable facts belie an overconfidence that is unjustified by history.
I’m not saying it isn’t an impressive accomplishment for NK just that it isn’t remotely scary.
It’s a net new military intelligence capability in the hands of an opponent. This fundamentally changes the theater, as any net new capability would. This has been understood since Sun Tzu. It’s not “nuclear armageddon” scary, it’s a demonstration that the USA is failing to maintain its oppressive chokehold on the world.