[Comprehensive] North Korea Fires Two Suspected Ballistic Missiles into the East Sea

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] North Korea launched unidentified projectiles into the East Sea on the 25th.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff stated, "Our military detected two short-range missiles launched from the Hamju area in South Hamgyong Province towards the East Sea at around 7:06 AM and 7:25 AM today," adding, "The flight distance was approximately 450 km, and the altitude was about 60 km."

Some military circles are suggesting the possibility of ballistic missile launches. If this is indeed the first ballistic missile launch since the Biden administration took office, it would be the first in about a year since North Korea claimed to have fired a 'super-large multiple rocket launcher' from Wonsan, Gangwon Province on March 29 last year. Additionally, ballistic missiles violate UN Security Council sanctions regardless of their range.

Earlier, the Japan Coast Guard also announced information around 7:09 AM that day, stating "a projectile possibly a ballistic missile was launched from North Korea," according to foreign media reports.

Unlike the cruise missile reportedly launched by North Korea on the 21st, ballistic missiles violate UN Security Council resolutions, drawing attention to the international community's response, including the United States.

North Korea is developing a new weapons trio consisting of a new tactical guided missile (tactical guided weapon, North Korean version of Iskander), a super-large multiple rocket launcher, and the North Korean version of ATACMS. Military experts note that due to the insufficient number of test launches of the upgraded new tactical guided missile and the North Korean version of ATACMS, additional launches cannot be ruled out.

It has not yet been confirmed whether North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un observed this missile launch. Based on past North Korean media reporting practices, if Chairman Kim observed the launch, it is expected to be reported on the 26th, one day later.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.