North Korea launches missiles into sea as discussions continue over US defence presence

North Korea has launched a fresh round of ballistic missiles into the sea, prompting sharp criticism from neighbouring countries as Seoul and Washington review the future shape of their security cooperation.

Missiles launched from Pyongyang area

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that several ballistic missiles were fired on Tuesday afternoon from an area near Pyongyang towards waters off North Korea’s eastern coast.​

The projectiles travelled roughly 350 kilometres and reached an altitude of about 80 kilometres before falling into the sea, according to assessments in Seoul and Tokyo.

Japan’s authorities confirmed detecting what appeared to be ballistic missiles and said they had splashed down within minutes, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stating there was no immediate impact on national security.​

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Tokyo nonetheless condemned the launch, describing the repeated firings as a serious threat to regional and international security and a clear breach of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Strong regional condemnation

South Korea’s Office of National Security urged Pyongyang to cease its ballistic launches, branding them provocative acts that undermine stability on the Korean Peninsula.​

Japan issued a formal protest, stressing that such activities violate UN measures and pose a grave concern for public safety in the region.

In recent months, North Korea has repeatedly tested short range missiles and multiple launch rocket systems that it claims form a core element of a tactical nuclear force intended to deter the United States and South Korea.

International interest in these shorter range systems has grown since Pyongyang supplied missiles and artillery to Russia for use in the war in Ukraine under a defence arrangement agreed in 2024.​

Link to shifting US defence role

The latest launch coincides with a visit to Seoul by a senior official from the US Department of Defense, who has been discussing how to modernise the alliance’s military posture.​

A recent Pentagon strategy document signals that South Korea is expected to take primary responsibility for deterring North Korea, with the United States envisaging a more limited but still critical supporting role.

Under this approach, Washington aims to update its force posture on the peninsula while maintaining combined deterrence against Pyongyang’s advancing missile and nuclear capabilities.

The timing of North Korea’s launch is likely to reinforce debates in both Seoul and Washington over how best to respond to continued weapons testing and deepen coordination on missile defence and crisis management.