The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) has reportedly conducted a test of new ballistic missiles. According to a report by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the test took place on January 25 and was successful. The DPRK’s supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, personally observed the launches of the sea-based strategic ballistic missiles.
According to the KCNA report, the missiles traveled a distance of approximately 1,500 kilometers and struck their ground targets around 7,500 seconds after launch, achieving an average speed of around 720 kilometers per hour.
The exact location of the test was not disclosed, but the DPRK stated that it had no negative impact on the security of neighboring countries. The launches were part of the country’s defense plan, aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of its strategic deterrence in the face of the changing security situation in the region, the KCNA reported. Kim was quoted as saying that Pyongyang would continue to perfect its deterrent capabilities to ensure lasting peace.
On Sunday, the DPRK’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement, justifying the need for strong measures in response to the military activities of South Korea and the United States in the region. The ministry characterized the recent military exercises by the two countries on the Korean Peninsula as “alarming military provocations.”
“The reality shows that the US is ignoring the sovereignty and security interests of the DPRK and we must resist the US only with extremely strong measures”the statement read.
Therefore, the DPRK will take extremely strong countermeasures to protect its interests, peace and stability in the region, the statement added.
It was the first North Korean missile test since the return of US President Donald Trump to the White House. Shortly before his inauguration, the DPRK had launched several short-range ballistic missiles into the sea. Trump has since announced plans to seek contact with Kim during his second term in office.