JCS: "ROK-US Defense Drills in Response to North Korea's Short-Range Missiles"

"Altitude 47 km, Flight Distance 240 km, Speed Mach 4"

North Korean ballistic missile [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] North Korea resumed provocations by launching a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) into the East Sea after 8 days. The South Korea-U.S. combined forces conducted missile defense exercises in response to North Korea's missile provocation.

According to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, North Korea launched one SRBM from the Wonsan area in Gangwon Province toward the East Sea at around 10:48 a.m. on the 17th. The missile's flight distance was approximately 240 km, altitude about 47 km, and speed Mach 4 (four times the speed of sound), with detailed specifications currently being precisely analyzed by South Korea-U.S. intelligence authorities.

Immediately after North Korea's ballistic missile launch, South Korea and the U.S. closely shared the situation through coordination meetings and conducted combined missile defense exercises. The Joint Chiefs explained that this reaffirmed the firm combined defense posture once again.

North Korea's recent provocation occurred after international concerns and responses to North Korea's provocations were presented following high-level diplomacy, including the South Korea-U.S.-Japan summit.

A Joint Chiefs official stated, "The successive ballistic missile launches by North Korea are serious provocations that threaten peace and stability not only on the Korean Peninsula but also in the international community, and are clear violations of United Nations Security Council resolutions. We strongly condemn this and urge an immediate halt," adding, "Our military will maintain a firm readiness posture by closely monitoring related developments in close cooperation between South Korea and the U.S. in preparation for any further provocations by North Korea."