State media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported the test involved launches from Ryokpho District in Pyongyang and hit targets on Kwesang Peak in Orang County, North Hamgyong Province. KCNA stated, “The new weapon system was tested as part of the defense capability development program to enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of strategic deterrence against potential enemies.”
The launches were overseen by senior North Korean officials, including Pak Jong Chon, Kim Jong Sik and Jang Chang Ha, though leader Kim Jong Un was not present. KCNA quoted Pak Jong Chon as saying the test proves “North Korea is steadily upgrading its self-defensive technical capabilities.”
Though KCNA did not specify the missile, it is likely the Hwasong-11E system, which was unveiled during a military parade on 10 October and features hypersonic glide vehicles. The system, part of the Hwasong-11 SRBM family, remains under development.
The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said, “We are aware of the [Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s] multiple ballistic missile launches and are consulting closely with the Republic of Korea and Japan, as well as other regional allies and partners. The United States condemns these actions and calls on the DPRK to refrain from further unlawful and destabilizing acts.”
The Command confirmed the launches did not pose an immediate threat to U.S. or allied forces. It added, “We continue to monitor the situation. The U.S. commitments to the defense of the ROK and Japan remain ironclad.”
South Korea said it had strengthened surveillance in preparation for further launches and was coordinating closely with U.S. and Japanese forces. “Our military has strengthened surveillance and vigilance in preparation for additional launches and is maintaining a full readiness posture by closely sharing information related to North Korean ballistic missiles with the US and Japan,” the JCS stated.
Meanwhile, maritime patrols continue to monitor for sanctions violations under the Pacific Security Maritime Exchange. New Zealand has deployed the RNZAF P-8A Poseidon and HMNZS Aotearoa to support operations in Japan, alongside a French Navy Falcon 50M aircraft.
Commander Rob Welford, the Aotearoa’s commanding officer, said, “Last year, there was considerable interest shown by Chinese Peoples’ Liberation Navy ships, and we also saw Russian Federation Navy vessels as well. And then on top of that there’s the unpredictability of the country we’re enforcing sanctions on.”
