North Korea launched what appeared to be multiple short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast early Thursday morning, according to South Korea’s military. The projectiles, believed to be part of a performance test for potential exports, were fired from the eastern coastal city of Wonsan at approximately 8:10 a.m. local time (2310 GMT Wednesday).
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that the missiles flew up to 800 kilometres (497 miles) before landing in the sea. While details on the number and specifications of the missiles were not disclosed, spokesperson Lee Sung-jun suggested that the launch could be part of an evaluation to test the “performance and flight stability” of weapons intended for sale abroad.
Japan also confirmed detecting the launch, noting the missile(s) may have followed an irregular trajectory. This marks another instance in North Korea’s ongoing ballistic missile activity, despite the fact that such programmes are banned under United Nations Security Council resolutions.
South Korea is reportedly in close communication with the United States and Japan to share intelligence and assess the situation.
The launch comes amid heightened scrutiny of Pyongyang’s growing arms trade, particularly following accusations that North Korea has been supplying short-range ballistic missiles and other weaponry to Russia for use in the war in Ukraine. US and allied intelligence agencies, along with independent researchers, have supported these claims. While both Pyongyang and Moscow deny any weapons trade, reports have emerged that North Korean troops are active on the frontlines in Russia’s Kursk region.
This latest missile test follows a similar launch in March, during which North Korea blamed joint US-South Korean military drills for escalating tensions in the region.
Melissa Enoch
Follow us on:
