North Korea Launches Short-Range Missiles for First Time in Two Months, Reports Reuters

By Hyonhee Shin

SEOUL – North Korea launched several short-range ballistic missiles from its east coast on Thursday, marking the first such test in over two months, according to South Korea’s military.

The missiles were fired from Pyongyang at approximately 7:10 a.m. local time and traveled about 360 km before landing in the sea, as reported by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, which did not disclose the exact number of missiles launched.

The South Korean military issued a statement expressing strong condemnation of the missile launch, describing it as a blatant provocation that poses a serious threat to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who visited Seoul last week to strengthen ties before his anticipated resignation, also condemned the launch and filed a formal protest against North Korea. He emphasized ongoing efforts to monitor the situation and to cooperate with the United States and South Korea.

Nuclear envoys from South Korea, Japan, and the United States held a phone conversation, labeling the missile launch a breach of United Nations resolutions, and committed to responding to any provocations from North Korea.

The last missile test by North Korea occurred on July 1, when the country announced the successful testing of a new tactical ballistic missile capable of carrying a large warhead.

This latest missile launch follows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s recent pledge to exponentially increase nuclear weapon production and ensure their readiness for immediate use. Last month, Kim oversaw a test of an upgraded rocket launcher system that showcased its mobility and striking capabilities, in addition to inspecting new drone technology and calling for advancements in artificial intelligence for unmanned vehicles.

A military spokesperson suggested that the missile launch could be a response to recent joint military exercises conducted by South Korea and the U.S. or a trial run of missiles intended for export to Russia.

North Korea is under scrutiny for allegedly supplying Russia with arms, including drones and ballistic missiles, to support its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Reports from Ukraine and the U.S., as well as independent analysts, assert that Kim is providing military support to Russia in exchange for economic and military assistance.

Conflict Armament Research, a UK-based organization that monitors weapon origins, reported recently that they discovered North Korean ballistic missiles in the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, including evidence that some were produced this year.

The report identified one missile as a Hwasong-11, a variant that North Korean state media claims is being mass-produced and deployed to front-line units.

Both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied these allegations but have vowed to enhance military cooperation, formalizing a comprehensive strategic partnership during a June summit.