North Korea test-fires short-range ballistic missiles in latest provocation

By Global Watch and AFP | 2025-01-14

North Korea fired several short-range ballistic missiles into the sea on January 14 amid Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya's visit to South Korea. Seoul labelled the test as yet another "destabilizing" move in the region.

"The South Korean military detected several short-range ballistic missiles fired into the East Sea," the military in Seoul said, referring to the body of water also known as the Sea of Japan. Iwaya is in South Korea for a series of meetings with top officials to discuss bilateral ties.

South Korean and US intelligence agencies had monitored Pyongyang's launch preparations, the military said, with Seoul maintaining "full readiness" and sharing information with Washington and Tokyo.

The January 14 launch took place around 9.30am near North Korea's Ganggye area, with the missiles flying 250km before landing in the sea, according to the military.

The US Indo-Pacific Command condemned the test, calling on North Korea "to refrain from further unlawful and destabilizing acts."

Seoul's acting president Choi Sang-mok also slammed the launch, saying it violated United Nations Security Council resolutions.

"Seoul will respond more strongly to North Korea's provocations based on its strong security posture and alliance with the US," he said.

The launch was Pyongyang's second this month after it fired what it said was a new hypersonic missile system January 6.

The location of the test site was undisclosed, but images released by North Korean state media KCNA showed leader Kim Jong Un observing the January 6 launch with his teenage daughter Ju Ae.

KCNA cited the use of a "new compound of carbon fiber" in the missile's engine, which scientists warned could allow Pyongyang to hit further targets with technology to which only the United States, Russia and China currently have access.

In response to Pyongyang's increased capabilities, South Korea's state arms procurement agency January 14 said it has begun developing a new missile defense system "aiming to intercept North Korea's nuclear and missile threats at higher altitudes."

The missile system will cost 567.7 billion KRW ($388 million) and is scheduled to be ready by 2028, Seoul's Defense Acquisition Program Administration said in a statement.

Pyongyang's ties with Moscow

Last week's alleged hypersonic missile launch came as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was visiting South Korea.

Blinken said during that visit that Moscow was increasing cooperation with Pyongyang, adding they were working ever more closely on advanced space technology.

Ahn Chan-il, a defector-turned-researcher who runs the World Institute for North Korea Studies, told AFP that another reason for the January 14 launch may be the testing of "missiles for export to Russia to be used in Ukraine."

North Korea, which has become one of the most vocal and main backers of Russia's offensive in Ukraine, test-fired in late October what it called its most advanced and powerful solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile. It then fired a salvo of short-range ballistic missiles days later.

Seoul and its Western nations have long accused Pyongyang of supplying Moscow with artillery shells and missiles for use in Ukraine.

North Korea started in October to send thousands of troops to fight against Ukraine and has since suffered hundreds of casualties, US and South Korean intelligence agencies say.

However, neither North Korea nor Russia has officially confirmed that Pyongyang's forces are fighting for Moscow.