North Korea Strikes Maritime Target During Multiple Rocket Launcher System Test Fire
North Korea struck a maritime target Tuesday during the test firing of an upgraded large-caliber multiple rocket launcher system, state media reported.
State media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Wednesday that North Korea’s Missile Administration conducted a test firing to verify the effectiveness of the large caliber MRLS, which features new technology. In the latest test, four rockets were fired and struck a maritime target 358.5 kilometers from the launch point, according to KCNA. The report did not disclose the MRLS launch point.
The U.S., Japan and South Korea acknowledged the test firing. The three countries classify the rockets launched by the MRLS as short-range ballistic missiles due to the missiles’ greater range and ability to carry nuclear warheads in comparison to conventional rocket artillery MRLS.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said several unidentified ballistic missiles were detected Tuesday, launched around 3:50 p.m. toward the Sea of Japan from an area north of Pyongyang, North Korea. The missiles flew approximately 350 kilometers, according to launch information, which was tracked by South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities.
“Under the robust ROK-U.S. combined defense posture, we are closely monitoring North Korea’s various activities while maintaining the capability and readiness to respond overwhelmingly to any provocation,” reads South Korea’s statement on the test firing.
Similarly, Japan’s Ministry of Defense detected two ballistic missiles launched Tuesday from North Korea’s west coast, traveling in an easterly direction.
The first missile was launched at around 3:54 p.m. and flew for approximately 350 kilometers, reaching a maximum altitude of approximately 80 kilometers, according to Japanese officials. The second was launched just after 4 p.m. and flew for approximately 340 kilometers, reaching a maximum altitude of approximately 70 kilometers. It is estimated the missiles fell near North Korea’s east coast, with both landing outside Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
Additional details of the launch are being analyzed by Japan, the U.S. and South Korea, Japan’s Ministry of Defense said.
Imagery released by KCNA shows two launchers each firing a single missile simultaneously.
“North Korea’s series of actions, including the repeated launches of ballistic missiles, threaten the peace and security of Japan, the region and the international community. Furthermore, these ballistic missile launches violate relevant UN Security Council resolutions and pose a serious issue concerning the safety of the Japanese people,” reads the Japan Ministry of Defense news release.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who oversaw last week’s test firing, expressed satisfaction with the test, stating it enhanced North Korea’s strategic deterrence. Weapons testing, Kim said, are meant to deter against a nuclear war and demonstrate North Korea’s will and capability to respond.
“For those seeking a military confrontation with us, the significance and consequences of this test will be a complex concern and a grave threat. Our artillery will be equipped with the most concentrated, destructive and massive strike power and will fulfill the responsible mission of deterring war,” Kim said in the KCNA report.
