Two short-range ballistic missiles were launched by North Korea from the Sunan district near Pyongyang and flew toward the Sea of Japan. The report originates from Yonhap News Agency, citing the South Korean military. The defense authorities in Seoul are actively reviewing flight data from the missiles, which are believed to have traveled approximately 360 kilometers before landing in the sea off Japan.
Earlier, South Korea, the United States, and Japan coordinated a response to North Korea’s recent space rocket activity, with a trilateral missile defense exercise conducted in international waters. The aim of the exercise was to test and demonstrate the readiness and interoperability of radar, tracking, and interception capabilities across allied forces in response to ballistic missile activities.
The South Korean navy stated that the exercise included the evaluation of the three-pronged missile warning system envisioned to be operational by the end of 2023. This system is designed to provide early detection, rapid assessment, and coordinated response to potential missile launches, enhancing situational awareness for allied commands and frontline defense units.
In a separate development, North Korea asserted that an American submarine entering South Korean waters would be a stated condition for the use of nuclear weapons, a claim that adds another layer of tension to the regional security environment. Officials emphasize that such rhetoric underscores the importance of continuous, credible deterrence and allied readiness in the face of evolving ballistic and nuclear threats.
Analysts note that the latest launches come after a series of North Korean demonstrations intended to challenge UN Security Council resolutions that prohibit the development and acquisition of ballistic missile technologies. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with regional powers reaffirming commitments to maintain stability while seeking avenues for diplomacy and verification.