North Korea has launched a missile toward the sea in the direction of the Sea of Japan, according to officials from South Korea and Japan. Authorities in Tokyo said the projectile was likely a ballistic missile.
A ballistic missile is a weapon launched using a powerful rocket booster that propels it high into the atmosphere. After the rocket lifts it to a high altitude, the missile follows a curved path through the air, similar to the arc made when a ball is thrown.
Once the missile reaches the highest point of its flight, it no longer relies on its engine. Instead, it continues traveling toward its target largely under the influence of gravity.
Ballistic missiles are designed to carry different types of payloads. These may include conventional explosives or more destructive weapons such as nuclear, chemical, or biological warheads.
Depending on their design, ballistic missiles can travel distances ranging from hundreds to thousands of kilometers, enabling them to strike targets far from the launch site. Some advanced versions are capable of crossing continents and reaching targets across the globe.
The South Korean military said in a brief message to journalists that the missile was fired toward waters off North Korea’s eastern coast. However, it did not immediately provide additional details.
Japan’s coast guard also reported that the missile appeared to have landed in the sea. According to Japan’s public broadcaster, citing the Ministry of Defense, the projectile likely fell outside Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The launch comes just five days after South Korea and the United States began large-scale joint military exercises aimed at preparing for what they describe as military threats from North Korea.