North Korea test-fired a suspected intermediate-range ballistic missile toward waters off its eastern coast on Tuesday, according to South Korea's military. The missile was launched from an area near Pyongyang, the North Korean capital, and flew approximately 600 kilometers before landing in the sea between the Korean Peninsula and Japan.
The launch is believed to be a follow-up on a test conducted in March of a solid-fuel engine for a new intermediate-range hypersonic missile that North Korea has been developing. Experts suggest that if perfected, such weapons could potentially reach targets in the U.S. Pacific region, including Guam.
While South Korea assessed the missile as an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), Japan's Defense Ministry reported that the missile flew about 650 kilometers, reaching a maximum altitude of 100 kilometers before landing outside of Japan's exclusive economic zone.
This recent launch marks North Korea's first known missile event since March 18, when North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a live-fire drill targeting South Korea's capital. The launch comes amidst heightened tensions in the region, with North Korea using Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a distraction to accelerate its missile testing activities.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed concerns over North Korea's frequent missile launches, emphasizing the threat they pose to regional and international security. The United States and South Korea have responded by strengthening their deterrence strategies and expanding joint military exercises involving Japan.
North Korea's focus on developing weapons with solid propellants, which are easier to transport and launch quickly, has raised alarm among neighboring countries. Kim Jong Un has also expressed intentions to acquire hypersonic missiles to counter adversaries' defense systems.
In addition to missile tests, North Korea has reaffirmed plans to launch reconnaissance satellites this year, citing the importance of monitoring military movements in the region. The country previously launched a military spy satellite in November, further heightening concerns about its military capabilities.
As tensions continue to escalate, the international community closely monitors North Korea's actions and their implications for regional security.
