North Korea Test-Fires Tactical Ballistic Missile Amid Rising Tensions

On Oct 12, North Korea launched at least two tactical ballistic missiles toward its northeast and east. Japan’s Ministry of Defense reported that the first missile lifted to roughly 20 km and traveled about 220 km, while the second reached about 70 km altitude and covered more than 910 km. The ministry said the missiles landed near North Korea’s east coast and in the Sea of Japan and that Japan, the United States, and South Korea are conducting a joint analysis of the second missile’s trajectory. The launch marked Pyongyang’s fourth missile test in a month, following South Korea’s recent hypersonic-missile test.

North Korea test-fires suspected ballistic missiles, Japan says North Korea test-fires tactical ballistic missile amid rising regional tensions The Straits Times

State media (Korean Central News Agency) described the Oct 12 launch as a “tactical ballistic missile” that confirmed a successful technical upgrade of an important core component, though no further details were provided. The test came a day after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited a newly opened defence-industry museum on Oct 11. The museum displayed a range of weapons, including the Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile, with displays suggesting reach beyond the United States to the Middle East, Australia and South America. Analysts noted that the exhibition appears intended to highlight Kim’s defence-science achievements and to project a strategic advantage ahead of any potential North Korea-U.S. summit.

North Korea showcases missile capable of reaching US The Straits TimesNorth Korea test-fires tactical ballistic missile amid rising regional tensions

Japan’s Ministry of Defense issued a statement detailing the launch times, altitudes and distances, and announced the ongoing trilateral analysis with the United States and South Korea. North Korean state media framed the test as evidence of technical progress in the missile program. The United States’ President Donald Trump, speaking on Oct 13, said he might meet Kim Jong-un during an upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation summit in China.

North Korea showcases missile capable of reaching US

• “I may, yeah. That'll be exciting, won't it? But I get along with him.” — Donald Trump, US president

North Korea test-fires tactical ballistic missile amid rising regional tensions

• “Earlier today, sometime after 9 a.m., North Korea launched at least two ballistic missiles from its interior toward the northeast and east; the missiles are estimated to have landed near North Korea's east coast and in the Sea of Japan,” — Japan's Ministry

North Korea test-fires suspected ballistic missiles, Japan says

• “The exhibition ?appears intended to highlight the achievements of Kim's defence science development program,” — Shin

North Korea showcases missile capable of reaching US

• “It gave the impression of propaganda aimed at gaining a strategic ?advantage ahead of potential a North Korea-US summit.” — Analysts

North Korea showcases missile capable of reaching US

• “By turning what were once temporary weapons exhibitions into a permanent museum, Kim is institutionalising his military achievements and portraying North Korea's nuclear and missile buildup as a completed and enduring legacy,” — Lim Eul-chul, a professor at Kyungnam University's Institute for Far Eastern Studies

North Korea showcases missile capable of reaching US