North Korea launched 10 ballistic missiles toward the sea on Saturday, according to officials from South Korea and Japan, marking another show of force as the United States and South Korea carried out joint military exercises.
The missiles were fired into waters off North Korea’s eastern coast, the South Korean military said in a short statement to reporters, without giving additional details. Japan’s public broadcaster NHK, citing defense ministry sources, reported that the missiles are believed to have landed outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone.
The missile launches occurred as the United States and South Korea carried out their annual spring military exercises involving thousands of troops. The allies say the drills are defensive and designed to test their readiness against potential threats from North Korea.
North Korea has long condemned such military exercises, describing them as preparations for an invasion, and frequently responds with missile launches or other military demonstrations.
Seoul Increases Surveillance After Launch
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the military has heightened surveillance and remains on high alert for any additional launches. Authorities are also maintaining close coordination and information-sharing with the United States and Japan.
In previous years, North Korea has carried out multiple missile or artillery launches during allied drills, often portraying them as simulations of nuclear strikes against targets in South Korea.
Concerns Over US Missile Defence Assets
The missile launches occurred amid reports in South Korean media suggesting that the United States may relocate some missile defence assets currently stationed in the country to support operations in the Middle East.
Responding to reports that interceptor missiles from the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system in Seongju could be moved, the office of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said it could not confirm details related to US military operations.
Officials stated that any potential redeployment of US military assets would not weaken the allies’ defense posture against nuclear-armed North Korea while also highlighting South Korea’s strong conventional military capabilities. Earlier, the government issued a similar response to reports about the possible relocation of Patriot missile defense systems.
Kim Yo Jong Warns Of ‘Terrible Consequences’
The launches came just days after Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, criticized the United States and South Korea for continuing their joint drills, which she described as taking place at a dangerous time for global security.
She warned that any actions threatening North Korea’s safety would lead to “terrible consequences.” Without directly mentioning the Iran conflict, she also said the allies’ military exercises were destabilizing the region at a time when the global security structure was “rapidly collapsing.”
North Korea’s Foreign Ministry has also released statements condemning joint US–Israeli strikes on Iran and expressing support for Tehran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei.
11-Day Freedom Shield Exercise Underway
The missile launches coincided with the 11-day Freedom Shield exercise, which is scheduled to continue until March 19. The drills are one of two major annual command post exercises conducted jointly by the United States and South Korea.
Although largely computer-simulated, the exercises are designed to test the allies’ combined operational capabilities and adapt to evolving security scenarios. They are accompanied by a field training program known as Warrior Shield.
Diplomatic efforts between Washington and Pyongyang to limit North Korea’s nuclear program have remained stalled since 2019, following the breakdown of the second summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump during Trump’s first term.
In recent years, Kim has strengthened ties with Russia, sending thousands of troops and significant military equipment to support Moscow’s war in Ukraine, reportedly in return for economic assistance and military technology.