North Korea conducted a launch of a medium-range strategic missile, the state news agency KCNA reported. The exercise was overseen by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, with the missile launched towards the East Sea.
According to KCNA, the projectile was launched towards the northeast, hitting a target 1,000km away in the East Sea. It was launched as part of exercises by missile units operating hypersonic strategic weapons. The South Korean military reported detecting the launch of a ballistic missile from the area of Wonsan towards the East Sea, with the projectile flying over 700km.
Kim Jong Un stated that the capability of the North Korean military to strike back was crucial. He stated that the development of strategic weapons was necessary for protecting national security and stability in the current geopolitical environment. He added that they must continue to invest effort responsibly and without pause, so that the enemy constantly and repeatedly recognises the reliability and lethal power of their strategic offensive means, highlighting that this is a deterrent.
Experts have assessed that it is possible this is the Hwasong-16, a medium-range ballistic missile. This is based on reports from North Korean media that the projectile may have changed trajectory during flight at low altitude. State media published photos of Kim overseeing the launch alongside his daughter Ju-ae and wife Ri Sol-ju.
The launch occurred amid heightened tensions on the Korean peninsula following the explosion of a mine in the demilitarised zone (DMZ) last month. Three South Korean soldiers were injured in the explosion. The South Korean military accused North Korea of planting the mine that exploded on 21 September, describing the act as a clear violation of the armistice agreement that ended the Korean War in 1950-1953.
Seoul requested an apology from Pyongyang and a response to the measures, but North Korea rejected the blame. It accused South Korea of fabricating the investigation results and warned of ruthless retaliation in the event that measures were taken.
