North Korea Fires Ballistic Missiles Towards Sea Near Japan Amid Tensions With South

North Korea on Monday (October 12) launched multiple ballistic missiles that landed in waters outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), Japan’s Deputy Defence Minister Takashi Koyari said. South Korean military officials confirmed that the launches originated from an area near Pyongyang, the North Korean capital, where the country’s main airport has served as a major launch site in recent years.

The latest launches add to a series of weapons demonstrations by North and South Korea amid growing military tensions on the Korean Peninsula. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesperson, Jang Do-young, said the military had detected several types of missiles but did not disclose the exact number launched. According to Jang, one missile travelled more than 900 kilometres (559 miles) before landing in the sea. He did not provide details about the range of the other missiles.

Japan Suspects Hypersonic Weapon Involved

The Japanese official said at least two missiles, launched 17 minutes apart, were detected outside Japan’s EEZ. According to Koyari, the first missile travelled approximately 220 kilometres (137 miles), while the second flew more than 910 kilometres (565 miles). Koyari said the second missile could have been a hypersonic weapon, as it appeared to follow an “irregular path”. Hypersonic weapons are designed to travel at speeds of at least five times the speed of sound and can be difficult for existing missile defence systems to intercept. There were no immediate reports of damage to aircraft or vessels following Monday’s launches.

North Korea Steps Up Weapons Testing

North Korea has intensified its weapons testing in recent years, while dismissing efforts by the United States and South Korea to revive diplomatic engagement through talks. Monday’s launches came after South Korea officially conducted a test-firing of its domestically developed hypersonic glide vehicle, overseen by President Lee Jae-myung. The weapon is designed to travel at speeds of at least five times the speed of sound, making it harder for existing missile defence systems to intercept. Lee described the development of the hypersonic weapon as critical to strengthening South Korea’s conventional defence capabilities.

Although Lee did not directly refer to the growing threat posed by North Korea, his office said the weapon, once fully developed, would enhance South Korea’s ability to carry out surprise strikes against key targets in the “Korean Peninsula theatre of operations”. Jang said North Korea’s latest missile launches were likely intended to advance its missile technology. He added that they could also have been a response to South Korea’s hypersonic weapon test, reflecting the intensifying military rivalry between the two neighbours.

Landmine Blasts Add To Inter-Korean Tensions

Tensions have also risen following landmine explosions near the heavily fortified border between the two Koreas last month, which injured three South Korean soldiers. South Korea’s military and the US-led United Nations Command concluded that the explosions were caused by landmines planted by North Korea. Pyongyang, however, denied responsibility and dismissed Seoul’s demands for an apology.

(With Inputs from AP)