On Monday, North Korea conducted a missile launch into the sea, as confirmed by officials from South Korea and Japan. The projectiles, believed to be short-range ballistic missiles, were launched from Pyongyang and traveled approximately 300km before landing in the Sea of Japan, as reported by Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, who labeled the act as a provocation that threatens stability in the region.
The Japanese Defense Ministry also reported a ballistic missile launch from North Korea that landed outside of Japan’s exclusive economic zone. The Coast Guard reported no damage, and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s office assured further updates pending the completion of the information analysis.
Yonhap, a South Korean news agency, reported that this was North Korea’s fourth ballistic missile test this year. In previous tests, North Korea launched a new solid-propellant intermediate-range projectile in April capable of deploying a hypersonic glide vehicle, which was praised by North Korean state media in March.
Recent tests by North Korea also included a new warhead for a cruise missile and an anti-aircraft weapon. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un announced a shift in policy in January, stating that peaceful reunification with South Korea was no longer a goal due to perceived enmity from Seoul and emphasizing the need for advanced weapons systems for defense against potential invasions.
North Korea justifies its development of advanced weapons as necessary for protection against potential threats from the United States and its allies in the region, including South Korea and Japan.
