North Korea fires missile ahead of US-South Korea drills

North Korea launched a suspected ballistic missile into waters off the Korean Peninsula’s eastern coast

SEOUL: North Korea launched a suspected ballistic missile into waters off the Korean Peninsula’s eastern coast on Wednesday, raising tensions just days before major military exercises between South Korea and the United States.

South Korean and Japanese authorities detected the launch from the Wonsan area on North Korea’s east coast at around 6am local time.

The missile travelled approximately 700 kilometres before falling into the sea, according to South Korean and Japanese defence officials.

The launch came only days before the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, scheduled to begin on August 17 and continue through August 27. The drills are designed to strengthen the allies’ ability to respond to security threats from North Korea.

Pyongyang has repeatedly criticised the exercises, describing them as preparations for a potential attack. Seoul and Washington maintain that the drills are defensive and necessary to improve their combined military readiness.

South Korean officials said Wednesday’s launch was the latest in a series of weapons tests conducted by North Korea this year. It was assessed as the country’s 11th suspected ballistic missile test of 2026.

North Korea had also launched a missile from the Wonsan region on August 6. Pyongyang did not publicly acknowledge that test.

Analysts said the latest launch could have been part of North Korea’s ongoing weapons development programme. However, its timing may also have been intended to send a political and military message ahead of the upcoming US-South Korean exercises.

South Korean authorities have not yet confirmed the exact type of missile involved. Officials said a detailed analysis was under way to determine its specifications.

The missile’s reported range and launch location have prompted speculation that it could have been a hypersonic weapon or another advanced missile system. Officials have not confirmed those assessments.

Seoul and Tokyo condemn launch

South Korea and Japan strongly criticised the missile test.

South Korean authorities convened an emergency security meeting and called on Pyongyang to stop activities that violate United Nations Security Council resolutions.

South Korea’s military said it remained fully prepared to respond to any further provocation and would maintain its combined defence posture with the United States.

Japan also lodged a formal protest through diplomatic channels. Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi condemned the launch and said Tokyo was closely monitoring developments.

The latest test follows growing tensions over North Korea’s expanding weapons programme and Japan’s plans to strengthen its defence capabilities.

North Korean state media had criticised Japan’s latest defence policy document a day earlier, accusing Tokyo of using the North Korean threat to justify an increase in military spending and capabilities.

The US Indo-Pacific Command said it was coordinating closely with South Korea and Japan. Its initial assessment was that the missile launch did not pose an immediate threat to US territory, American personnel or its allies.