North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles, with one failing to launch, according to South Korea's military on Monday. This action follows Pyongyang's warning of "fatal consequences" after major joint exercises in the South. The Joint Chiefs of Staff in South Korea reported detecting two launches, the first at 5:05 am (2005 GMT) and the second about 10 minutes later. The first missile traveled approximately 600 km, while the second, which appeared to fly abnormally early in its flight, traveled 120 km. If it had exploded mid-air, debris could have fallen within North Korea, noted JCS spokesperson Lee Sung-jun. Seoul's military has increased surveillance and vigilance in anticipation of further launches.
North Korea is alleged to have violated arms control measures by supplying weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine. When asked if the latest launch could be related to testing missiles for delivery to Russia, JCS's Lee declined to comment. The launch also follows Pyongyang's criticism on Sunday of joint military exercises by South Korea, Japan, and the United States, labeling them an "Asian version of NATO" and warning of "fatal consequences." The three-day "Freedom Edge" drills included preparations for ballistic missile and air defenses, anti-submarine warfare, and defensive cyber training, involving the USS Theodore Roosevelt, JS Atago, and KF-16 fighter jet.
Pyongyang has historically viewed such combined exercises as invasion rehearsals, but Seoul maintains they are regular defensive drills. Last week, North Korea claimed to have successfully tested a multiple warhead missile, although South Korea reported it ended in a mid-air explosion. Relations between the two Koreas are at a low point, with North Korea intensifying weapons testing and launching balloons filled with trash into the South. Pyongyang claims these actions are in response to anti-regime propaganda leaflets sent north by South Korean activists. In response to the North's repeated launches, South Korea has suspended a tension-reducing military treaty and resumed propaganda loudspeaker broadcasts and live-fire drills near the border.
North Korea is currently holding a major party meeting, as reported by state media on Saturday. Professor Leif-Eric Easley of Ewha University in Seoul commented that in North Korean politics and military strategy, "the best defense is often a good offense." These missile launches are likely a way for the Kim regime to compensate for recent failed tests and to impress a domestic audience during ruling party meetings. Pyongyang is also determined not to appear weak while South Korea conducts defense exercises with Japan and the US.
