North Korea launched two ballistic missiles late Wednesday as part of what Pyongyang called a tactical nuclear strike drill it held in response to exercises conducted by South Korea and the United States involving at least one strategic bomber.
The missiles were launched from the west coast of North Korea, flying over the Korean Peninsula and splashing into sea off its east coast, Japan's ministry of defense said in a statement, adding that the missiles appeared to have landed outside Tokyo's exclusive economic zone.
The first launch occurred at about 11:38 p.m. JST and flew for some 217 miles at a max altitude of about 31 miles. The second occurred at about 11:46 p.m., flew for 248 miles at the same max altitude.
No damage to nearby aircraft or ships has been reported, Tokyo said.
"North Korea's series of actions, including its repeated ballistic missile launches, threaten the peace and security of Japan, the region and the international community," the ministry said.
U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said it was aware of the launches and was consulting with allies and partners.
"While we have assessed that this event does not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel or territory, or to our allies, the missile launch highlights the destabilizing impact of the DPRK's illicit weapons program," it said.
"The U.S. commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea and Japan remains ironclad."
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is the official name of North Korea.
The launches came as the militaries of South Korean and the United States were in the midst of conducting their annual joint 11-day Ulichi Freedom Shield exercise, which ends Thursday.
On Wednesday, the ROK-U.S. Air Force conducted joint outdoor maneuver training involving a U.S. B-1B strategic bomber. The exercise was conducted over the Yellow Sea and involved South Korean FA-50 fighter jets and U.S. F-16 warplanes.
South Korea's Ministry of Defense said the exercise was coordinated in response to North Korea's failed launch late last week of a spy satellite, it's second failure to put the orbital into space since May.
On Thursday, Pyongyang described the exercise as a "joint attack formation drill" and which represents "a serious threat to the DPRK as it was just pursuant to the scenario for a preemptive nuclear strike," according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency.
North Korea characterizes joint U.S.-South Korea military exercises as preparations for invasion.
North Korea confirmed in the report that its tactical nuclear-armed unit of the Korean People's Army fired two tactical ballistic missiles from Pyongyang International Airport as part of its nuclear strike drill "simulating scorched earth strikes at major command centers and operational airfields of the "ROK" military gangsters," the report said.
Artificial Intelligence Analysis
Defense Industry Analyst:
9/10
The article provides an in-depth discussion of North Koreas latest ballistic missile launches, the U.S.-South Korea Ulichi Freedom Shield exercise, and the U.S.s commitment to the defense of South Korea and Japan. This is an important event for the defense industry, as it highlights the potential threat posed by North Koreas illicit weapons program and U.S. and allied responses to it. The article provides valuable insight into the current state of affairs in the region and the potential implications for the defense industry.
Stock Market Analyst:
8/10
The article is highly relevant for stock market analysts, as it provides insight into the potential impacts of North Koreas latest missile launches on the region and its implications for the stock market. The article discusses the U.S. commitment to the defense of South Korea and Japan, as well as the potential for future conflict in the region. This information is important for stock market analysts to consider when making investment decisions.
General Industry Analyst:
7/10
The article is relevant for general industry analysts as it provides insight into North Koreas latest missile launches and the potential implications for the region. It discusses the U.S.-South Korea Ulichi Freedom Shield exercise and the U.S. commitment to the defense of South Korea and Japan. This information is important for general industry analysts to consider when analyzing the potential impacts of North Koreas actions on the region and beyond.
Analyst Summary
:
North Korea recently launched two ballistic missiles, as part of a tactical nuclear strike drill in response to the annual joint 11 day Ulichi Freedom Shield exercise conducted by South Korea and the United States. The missiles were launched from the west coast of North Korea, flying over the Korean Peninsula and splashing into the sea off its east coast. U.S. Indo Pacific Command said they had assessed that the event did not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel or territory, or to their allies. This event is highly relevant for defense, stock market, and general industry analysts, as it highlights the potential threat posed by North Koreas illicit weapons program and the U.S. and allied responses to it. It is important for analysts to consider the potential implications of North Koreas actions on the region and beyond when making investment decisions.
Investigative
Question:
- 1. What other defense exercises have been conducted in the region in the past 25 years?
- 2. How have North Koreas missile launches affected the stock market in the region?
- 3.
What other countries have responded to North Koreas actions?4. How have North Koreas missile launches impacted the security of the region?
5. What other measures has the U.S. taken in response to North Koreas missile launches?
This AI report is generated by a sophisticated prompt to a ChatGPT API. Our editors clean text for presentation, but preserve AI thought for our collective observation. Please comment and ask questions about AI use by Spacedaily. We appreciate your support and contribution to better trade news.
