North Korea launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward its eastern waters on Tuesday, according to South Korea’s military, marking its second weapons test of 2025.
The missiles, fired from a northern inland area, travelled approximately 250 kilometres (155 miles) before landing in waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported.
The South Korean military condemned the test, labelling it a “clear provocation” that threatens regional peace and stability. It confirmed enhanced surveillance efforts while sharing launch data with the United States and Japanese militaries.
The launch follows North Korea’s January 6 test of a hypersonic intermediate-range missile capable of targeting distant areas in the Pacific. Leader Kim Jong Un has pledged to expand the country’s nuclear weapons arsenal to counter its rivals.
North Korea’s missile tests in 2024 included solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles designed to strike the US mainland and shorter-range systems aimed at overwhelming South Korean missile defences.
Experts fear that Pyongyang’s military capabilities could grow further through potential technology transfers from Russia, as the two nations strengthen ties amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
At a year-end political meeting, Kim vowed to implement the “toughest” policies against the United States, criticising the Biden administration’s efforts to enhance security cooperation with Seoul and Tokyo. He described the alliance as a “nuclear military bloc for aggression.”
While North Korean state media did not reference US President-elect Donald Trump, who previously engaged in nuclear talks with Kim during his presidency, analysts are sceptical about a swift return to diplomacy if Trump regains the White House.
Kim’s strengthened position, bolstered by an expanded nuclear arsenal, closer ties with Russia, and weaker enforcement of US-led international sanctions, presents significant challenges to resolving the nuclear standoff, experts say.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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