North Korea has launched a series of short-range ballistic missiles, prompting strong condemnation from South Korea. According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), these missiles were fired from the Wonsan area and made their way into the East Sea, commonly referred to as the Sea of Japan, between 08:10 and 09:20 local time. The missiles reportedly flew up to 800 kilometers before descending into the ocean waters to the east of the Korean Peninsula.
The JCS characterized the missile launch as a “clear act of provocation,” emphasizing the threat it poses to regional peace and stability. In response to these developments, the South Korean military stated its commitment to monitoring North Korean activities closely to avoid any potential misjudgment by the North.
This missile test marks North Korea’s first since March and comes shortly after Kim Jong Un oversaw the test-firing of a new weapons system on the recently unveiled 5,000-ton destroyer class vessel named Choe Hyon. North Korea has claimed that this ship is equipped with “the most powerful weapons,” with expectations for it to enter operational status by early next year. Analysts suggest that the vessel may be able to carry short-range tactical nuclear missiles, although North Korea has yet to demonstrate the ability to miniaturize its nuclear arsenal.
Speculation has arisen about the possible collaboration between North Korea and Russia, with indications that the destroyer could have been developed with Russian assistance. Some reports suggest that this collaboration may involve North Korea deploying troops to support Russia in its conflict with Ukraine. Furthermore, North Korea and Russia recently announced the construction of a new road bridge linking the two nations.
Last year, North Korea conducted a series of ballistic missile launches in defiance of UN sanctions, with experts expressing concerns that some of these tests may be intended for weapon exports to Russia for use in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The timing of the missile launch coincides with Russia’s preparations for World War II Victory Day commemorations, which will host world leaders, excluding North Korea’s Kim Jong Un.
Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, remarked that the missile launch is likely a demonstration of North Korea’s involvement in supporting Russia’s agenda amid tension with Ukraine. Meanwhile, Japan’s defense ministry reported that there was no impact from the missile launches on Japanese territory.
In light of these developments, North Korea’s state media has claimed a significant boost in shell production, with Kim recently inspecting manufacturing facilities. Some experts believe that the latest missile test may serve as preliminary preparations for potential weapons exports to Russia.
The South Korean military previously reported on March 1 that North Korea launched multiple unidentified ballistic missiles the same day that Seoul and Washington commenced a major annual military exercise dubbed Freedom Shield. Washington has bolstered its military presence in the region in recent years, enhancing joint exercises with South Korea in response to North Korean provocations.
As tensions escalate, both Koreas remain technically at war, with the 1950-1953 conflict ending in an armistice rather than a formal peace treaty. Continuing provocations have led to increased militarization along the border, including North Korea’s destruction of connecting routes to the South and the reinforcement of border areas with additional mines. In a recent incident, South Korean troops fired warning shots when North Korean soldiers crossed briefly into South Korean territory.
