North Korea has launched at least one ballistic missile toward the Sea of Japan, according to South Korea’s military, escalating regional security concerns amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missile was fired on Sunday, adding that its type has not yet been identified. The launch was detected shortly after liftoff, with South Korean and allied forces closely monitoring the situation.
Context of Recent Missile Tests
The ballistic missile launch follows a recent North Korean test of a long-range strategic cruise missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads. That test marked the first public appearance of an upgraded version of the Hwasal-1 cruise missile, during which two missiles were launched.
According to military analysis, the missiles flew for nearly three hours along pre-programmed trajectories before striking their designated targets. The exercise was intended to assess response readiness, train personnel on launch and maneuver procedures, and verify the reliability of associated systems. Analysts also described the test as a significant show of force, given the missile’s nuclear capability.
Missile Capabilities and Technology
The Hwasal-1 is believed to have a range of approximately 2,000 kilometers. While it is confirmed to be nuclear-capable, experts say conventionally armed variants are also likely to be in service. The missile conducted its first test flight in September 2021, around the same time North Korea tested a hypersonic glide vehicle for the first time.
North Korea has also recently displayed its Saebyeol-4 reconnaissance drone and Saebyeol-9 attack drone at Kalma Air Base, underscoring its expanding unmanned and precision-strike capabilities.
Military specialists believe the cruise missile relies on inertial navigation and terrain contour matching, with satellite updates enhancing accuracy. This guidance allows the missile to fly complex, low-altitude routes designed to exploit radar coverage gaps and evade interception.
Kim Jong Un Oversees Tests
During the missile drills, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expressed strong satisfaction with the performance of the cruise missiles, state media reported. He noted that the missiles successfully flew over waters west of the Korean Peninsula and accurately struck their targets.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed earlier this week that its forces had detected multiple cruise missile launches from the Sunan area near Pyongyang, highlighting a sustained pattern of missile activity.
Analysts say the latest launch reinforces concerns about North Korea’s advancing missile technology and its potential implications for regional and global security.
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