North Korea has conducted its first missile launch in two months, firing short-range missiles from Pyongyang at approximately 7:10 a.m. The missiles traveled about 360 km before falling into the sea, according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, which did not specify the number of missiles launched. The Joint Chiefs of Staff condemned the launch, describing it as a serious provocation that threatens peace and stability on the Korean peninsula.
Japan’s defense ministry reported that at least two ballistic missiles from North Korea flew over 350 km, reaching an altitude of around 100 km. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who had recently visited Seoul to reaffirm ties with South Korea before his forthcoming resignation, strongly condemned the missile launch and lodged a formal protest against North Korea. Kishida emphasized Japan’s commitment to monitoring the situation and cooperating with the U.S. and South Korea.
Japanese media indicated that the suspected missile landed outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone, and no damage was reported. North Korea’s last missile launch occurred on July 1, when it claimed to have successfully tested a new tactical ballistic missile capable of carrying a 4.5-ton super-large warhead.
The recent missile launch followed North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s pledge to increase the production of nuclear weapons “exponentially” and ensure their readiness for use “at any given time.” Kim had recently overseen a test of an upgraded 240 mm rocket launcher system, which he claimed demonstrated superiority in mobility and strike concentration. He also inspected new “suicide drones” and advocated for the development of artificial intelligence for unmanned vehicles.
Additionally, North Korea has been sending balloons carrying trash into South Korea in recent days. This campaign, which began in May, is reportedly in retaliation for anti-Pyongyang leaflets sent into North Korea by South Korean activists using balloons.
North Korea faces allegations of supplying weapons, including drones and ballistic missiles, to Russia for use in the war in Ukraine. Ukraine, the United States, and other countries, along with independent analysts, have claimed that Kim is assisting Russia in exchange for economic and military support from Moscow. Both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied these accusations.
