satellite state

North Korea is preparing to launch its first military spy satellite, state media has reported.

The former Soviet satellite state is seen as being well positioned to meet some of Vietnam's growing security needs as its military firms excel in retrofitting Russian gear and often manufacture new equipment that is compatible with Soviet legacy arms - a skill that is particularly well regarded in Vietnam where 80% of the local arsenal is estimated to come from Russia.

While his mishandling of clerical sexual abuse as pope has come under harsh scrutiny in recent years, the documentary looks at his less-examined record as Archbishop of Krakow from 1964 to 1978, when Poland was a Soviet satellite state firmly under Moscow’s thumb.

The difference reflects the former communist east’s four-decade history as a Soviet satellite state in which Russian-language instruction was required.

It still has a massive arsenal and a satellite state in Belarus from which it can draw more troops, as well as the ability to recruit mercenaries from countries like Georgia, or Syria.