North Korea launched 10 ballistic missiles toward the sea on Saturday, according to officials in South Korea and Japan, in a fresh demonstration of military capability as the United States and South Korea conduct large-scale joint military exercises. The launches are being viewed as part of Pyongyang’s ongoing pattern of responding to allied drills with missile tests or other military demonstrations.
South Korea’s military reported that the projectiles were fired toward waters off the country’s east coast. In a brief statement shared with reporters, the South Korean armed forces confirmed the launches but did not initially provide detailed technical information about the missiles or their range. Japanese authorities later stated that the missiles are believed to have landed outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone, according to reports cited by the public broadcaster NHK based on defence ministry sources.
The missile launches occurred while the United States and South Korea are conducting their annual spring military exercises, which involve thousands of troops and a range of coordinated defence operations. The two allies describe the drills as defensive in nature and say they are intended to improve readiness and coordination in response to potential security threats, particularly those posed by North Korea.
However, North Korea has consistently criticised these joint exercises, arguing that they amount to preparations for an invasion of its territory. Pyongyang frequently responds to such drills by carrying out missile launches, artillery exercises, or other military demonstrations intended to signal its capabilities and deterrence posture.
Following Saturday’s launches, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the country’s military had strengthened surveillance operations and was maintaining a heightened state of readiness in case of additional missile activity. Officials added that South Korea is closely coordinating with the United States and Japan to monitor the situation and share intelligence related to the launches.
In previous years, North Korea has conducted similar multiple-launch missile tests during periods when the United States and South Korea hold joint exercises. These tests are sometimes described by Pyongyang as simulations of nuclear strikes against targets in South Korea.
The latest launches also come amid speculation in South Korean media about possible adjustments to US missile defence deployments in the region. Reports have suggested that some interceptor missiles associated with the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system deployed in Seongju might be relocated to support American military operations in the Middle East.
When questioned about these reports, the office of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said it could not confirm any details regarding the operational decisions of US military forces. Officials stated that even if certain assets were repositioned, it would not weaken the combined defensive posture of the United States and South Korea against North Korea’s nuclear and missile capabilities. They also emphasised that South Korea’s own conventional military strength remains substantial.
The government had previously issued similar responses when media reports suggested that Patriot missile defence systems stationed in the country might also be redeployed to other regions.
The missile launches occurred only days after a warning issued by Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. She criticised the United States and South Korea for continuing their joint military drills during what she described as an already dangerous period for global security.
In her statement, Kim Yo Jong warned that actions threatening North Korea’s safety could lead to what she called “terrible consequences.” Although she did not directly mention the ongoing conflict involving Iran, she argued that the allied exercises were destabilising the region at a time when the international security structure was deteriorating rapidly.
North Korea’s Foreign Ministry has also issued statements criticising recent military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran. The ministry expressed support for Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, signalling political alignment between Pyongyang and Tehran amid the current geopolitical tensions.
The missile launches coincided with the ongoing Freedom Shield exercise, an 11-day military drill conducted jointly by the United States and South Korea that is scheduled to run until March 19. Freedom Shield is one of the two major annual command post exercises organised by the allies.
Although the drills are largely computer-simulated, they are designed to test the allies’ joint operational planning, command coordination, and response capabilities under evolving security scenarios. The exercises are also accompanied by a field training programme known as Warrior Shield, which involves practical training activities for military units.
Diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang aimed at limiting North Korea’s nuclear programme have remained stalled for several years. Talks effectively broke down in 2019 after the second summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump during Trump’s first term failed to produce an agreement.
Since then, North Korea has shifted some of its strategic focus toward strengthening ties with Russia. Reports indicate that Pyongyang has sent thousands of troops and significant quantities of military equipment to assist Russia in its war in Ukraine. In return, North Korea is believed to be receiving economic assistance and access to military technology from Moscow, further reshaping regional and global security dynamics.
