Surprise Ballistic Missile Launch by North Korea Over Japan Amid Rising Tensions—What’s Next?

North Korea Tests Ballistic Missiles Following Trilateral Military Drills

Key Points:

• Date & Time: North Korea launched two ballistic missiles on Monday, July 1, 2024.
• Location: The missiles were fired from Jangyon, southeastern North Korea.
• Intervals: The launches were 10 minutes apart.
• Distances:
  • The first missile traveled 600 km (370 miles).
  • The second missile traveled 120 km (75 miles).
• Impacts:
  • The first missile landed in the waters off Chongjin.
  • The second missile likely crashed inland.
Source : Reuters
• Response: South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff are on alert, ready to respond to further provocations.

Detailed Summary:

North Korea conducted a test-firing of two ballistic missiles on July 1, 2024. This event followed the conclusion of the "Freedom Edge" multidomain trilateral military drills conducted by the United States, South Korea, and Japan.

Launch Details:

• The missiles were launched from Jangyon in southeastern North Korea.
• They were launched 10 minutes apart.
• The first missile covered a distance of approximately 600 kilometers, landing in the waters off the eastern city of Chongjin.
• The second missile traveled 120 kilometers but likely crashed inland, suggesting a possible failure.

Military Reactions:

• South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff have stated they are prepared to respond to any further provocations.
• The trilateral drills aimed to enhance joint defense capabilities against North Korea's evolving threats and included air and naval exercises focused on ballistic missile defense, anti-submarine warfare, and surveillance.

North Korea's Statement:

• North Korea criticized the "Freedom Edge" drill, likening it to an Asian version of NATO and accusing the US of trying to exert pressure on China and Russia.
• They asserted their right to defend their sovereignty with "offensive and overwhelming countermeasures."

Missile Advancements:

• North Korea recently tested a new tactical ballistic missile named Hwasongpho-11 Da-4.5, capable of carrying a super-large warhead weighing 4.5 tons.
• The missile was tested for flight stability and accuracy.
• South Korea's military identified the first missile as likely being a KN-23, which has also been reportedly supplied to Russia for use in Ukraine.

Regional Security Concerns:

• The recent launches come amid increasing tensions and strategic military developments in the region.
• North Korea and Russia have strengthened their military cooperation, with recent agreements on mutual defense assistance.