Branding his country's launch of a military spy satellite as "deploying of a space guard", North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said it was an "exercise of the right to self-defence," Yonhap News reported. Kim's remark came during his visit to the National Aerospace Technology Administration (NATA), according to the official space agency of North Korea.

"He highly appreciated that the eye-opening event of deploying the reconnaissance satellite constantly grasping the military intention and moves of the hostile forces with our space guard and a powerful sighting telescope is the precious victory," Yonhap News reported, citing KCNA. Emphasising that the ownership of a spy satellite constitutes a comprehensive exercise of the right to self-defence, Kim urged endeavours to realise both the immediate and long-term objectives of advancing aerospace reconnaissance capabilities, according to KCNA's English-language dispatch