SOFREP Daily: South Korea Launches Third Spy Satellite, China Denies Swedish Probe of Ship, Russia Captures More Territory in Ukraine

It’s Tuesday, December 24, 2024, and we’re here with your defense and global affairs update. Let’s catch up on the stories making headlines this Christmas Eve.

South Korea Launches Third Spy Satellite to Monitor North Korea

South Korea successfully launched its third homegrown military spy satellite on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base.

The satellite, equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensors capable of gathering data in any weather, is part of South Korea’s plan to deploy five military reconnaissance satellites by 2025 to bolster its surveillance of North Korea.

This latest addition strengthens Seoul’s three-pronged defense strategy against Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile threats.

Defense officials say the satellite will enhance their ability to detect potential provocations from North Korea, which has been ramping up its own space-based reconnaissance efforts.

Pyongyang launched its first military satellite last November but has faced setbacks, including a failed launch earlier this year.

Kim Jong Un Ramps Up Drone Production for Russia’s War Effort

South Korea’s military said Monday that it has spotted signs that North Korea is ramping up its support for Russia’s war in Ukraine, including plans to send more troops, weapons, and suicide drones.

Pyongyang has already supplied artillery and rocket launchers, and leader Kim Jong Un has prioritized mass-producing drones for Russia.

Around 12,000 North Korean troops are believed to be in Russia, with over 1,100 casualties reported.

🇰🇵 One in 10 North Korean soldiers sent to the Ukraine war were killed or wounded in their first weeks of fighting, South Korea has claimed.

Read more: https://t.co/yg2Fyb9e9S pic.twitter.com/STbwOp5Fi5

— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) December 23, 2024

The growing North Korea-Russia military alliance raises concerns for Seoul as Pyongyang gains combat experience and bolsters its military capabilities.

Meanwhile, tensions remain high along the Korean border, where North Korean soldiers have been fortifying defenses with barriers and electrified fences.

There are also fears that North Korea could launch hypersonic missiles or conduct nuclear tests to boost its negotiating power with the US.

South Korean officials, in coordination with the US, are preparing for potential provocations, emphasizing the importance of joint military readiness to counter any threat from the North.

China Denies Swedish Probe of Ship Suspected in Cable Cuts

Sweden’s foreign minister revealed Monday that China has denied Swedish prosecutors access to investigate a Chinese ship suspected of cutting two Baltic Sea telecom cables.

The ship, Yi Peng 3, was tracked near the cables when they were damaged and has since left the area, with China citing the crew’s well-being as the reason.

Although Swedish police and other European representatives were allowed aboard as observers during a Chinese-led investigation, no formal investigative actions, such as questioning the crew, were permitted.

BREAKING: Sweden says China denied request for prosecutors to probe ship linked to cut undersea cables https://t.co/bQEftL27Jx pic.twitter.com/Ix4rdXJbS8

— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) December 23, 2024

Swedish authorities remain firm in their request for cooperation, emphasizing that they have clearly communicated the need for a thorough investigation to China.

European officials suspect sabotage, possibly tied to the broader geopolitical tensions stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, though China and Russia have dismissed these allegations.

The incident adds to growing concerns about the security of undersea infrastructure in the Baltic region.

Opposition Cuts Budget, Threatens Taiwan’s Defense Spending

Taiwan’s government is raising alarms over opposition-led amendments to the 2025 budget, warning they could undermine national security and slash defense funding amid growing threats from China.

The amendments, pushed through by the opposition-majority parliament, aim to cut NT$375.3 billion ($11.5 billion) from the central government’s tax revenue, potentially reducing defense spending by 28 percent.

President Lai Ching-te cautioned Monday that such cuts could jeopardize Taiwan’s combat readiness and the safety of its 23 million citizens.

The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) argues that the amendments harm Taiwan’s democratic processes and fiscal stability, while the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), often seen as pro-Beijing, defends the move as a way to boost local government autonomy.

The debate has sparked protests, parliamentary brawls, and heightened tensions as Taiwan faces increasing military pressure from China.

Philippines Plans US Typhon Missiles to Boost Defense

The Philippine Army announced Monday its plans to acquire the US Typhon missile system to bolster its archipelagic defense strategy and safeguard its maritime sovereignty amid escalating tensions with China in the South China Sea.

The mid-range missile system, capable of projecting force up to 200 nautical miles, has been used for training in the Philippines since its deployment earlier this year during joint exercises with the US.

Philippine Army Chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido emphasized its role in protecting the nation’s floating assets and sovereignty, though the acquisition is still in the planning stages and not budgeted for 2025.

“(Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense (Concept)) requires that we are able to protect the country’s interest and the country’s interest is our (exclusive economic zone), that 200 nautical miles. Thus, it is paramount for the Army to be able to project its force up to that extent in coordination, of course, with the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Air Force,” Galido explained.

China has quickly criticized the move as destabilizing, warning it could spark an arms race in the region.

Despite Beijing’s condemnation, Galido stated the acquisition was purely for defensive purposes within Philippine territory.

The Typhon system, developed by Lockheed Martin, has a range of 300 miles and will support its military’s maritime and air domain defense efforts.

Pakistan Sentences Civilians in Military Court, Draws Global Criticism

The US, UK, and EU have criticized Pakistan’s use of military courts to sentence 25 civilians to prison terms of 2 to 10 years for their involvement in attacks on military facilities during protests in May 2023.

The protests followed the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has since been jailed and disqualified from running in the 2024 elections.

Critics argue that trying civilians in military courts undermines transparency and fair trial rights, with the EU calling the move inconsistent with Pakistan’s international obligations.

UK government response to sentencing of 25 civilians in military courts in Pakistan. https://t.co/fwEFchMZCz

— UK in Pakistan 🇬🇧🇵🇰 (@ukinpakistan) December 23, 2024

Khan, who was ousted as prime minister in 2022, has faced a wave of legal cases he claims are politically motivated. His fallout with Pakistan’s military has been central to the turmoil, with the former leader blaming them for his removal. Despite his party winning the most seats in elections, his rivals formed a coalition government.

Meanwhile, a UN human rights group has stated that Khan’s detention violates international law, though Pakistan’s government and military deny any unfair treatment.

Haiti Gang Massacre Claims 207 Lives in Cite Soleil

At least 207 people were killed earlier this month in Haiti’s Cite Soleil neighborhood during a brutal massacre orchestrated by the Wharf Jeremie gang, the United Nations reported Monday.

The attacks, led by gang leader Monel “Mikano” Felix, targeted elderly residents accused of witchcraft after Felix blamed them for his child’s illness.

Victims were abducted from Voudou ceremonies, executed, and many of their bodies burned or dumped into the sea to destroy evidence.

This tragedy underscores Haiti’s escalating gang violence, which has claimed over 5,300 lives this year alone and displaced more than 700,000 people.

#Haiti: New @UN report finds Wharf Jérémie gang recently executed more than 200 peoplehttps://t.co/vUyfZV58fd pic.twitter.com/MNedVPT5de

— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) December 23, 2024

The Wharf Jeremie gang, which controls key areas near vital ports and highways, has held strategic dominance for over 15 years.

Meanwhile, the country struggles with worsening food shortages and awaits international security aid to combat the spiraling crisis.

Russia Captures More Territory as Ukraine Battles Shortages

On Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico in Moscow—a rare visit from a European Union leader.

Their meeting centered on a looming energy crisis as the contract for Russian gas transit through Ukraine is set to expire at the end of the year.

Slovakia, heavily reliant on Russian gas, criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for refusing to extend the agreement.

Slovakia has been exploring alternatives, recently signing gas deals with Azerbaijan and the US, while securing backup routes through neighboring European countries.

Meanwhile, Russia’s Army continues to advance in eastern Ukraine, capturing two more villages: Lozova in the Kharkiv region and Krasnoye near the strategic hub of Kurakhove.

NEW: Putin repeated his latest assertion that he should have violated the ceasefire he had imposed on Ukraine in 2014 and 2015 by launching a full-scale invasion even earlier than February 2022. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/Hten8bgiZu

— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) December 22, 2024

Moscow has ramped up its offensive, claiming control over 190 Ukrainian settlements this year, while Kyiv struggles with manpower and ammunition shortages.

In a shocking claim, Ukraine’s human rights commissioner Dmytro Lubinets accused Russian forces of executing five unarmed Ukrainian prisoners of war.

While details remain sparse, Lubinets called for war crime tribunals to hold those responsible accountable. Russia has yet to comment on the accusation.

On the offensive front, Ukraine struck a major Russian fuel depot for the second time in just over a week.

Kyiv’s attacks on Russian supply chains come as Moscow continues pounding Ukraine’s already fragile energy grid, leaving many vulnerable as winter sets in.

Sources: News Agencies