North Korea launched approximately 10 ballistic missiles into the East Sea on Friday, with South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff identifying the projectiles as 600mm multiple rocket launchers capable of striking key facilities in the South.
"Our military detected approximately 10 ballistic missiles fired from the Sinan area of North Korea toward the East Sea at around 1:20 p.m. today," the JCS said. "The missiles flew approximately 350 km, and South Korea and the United States are conducting detailed analysis of the precise specifications."
The JCS is weighing the possibility that North Korea fired 600mm rocket launchers. Last month, North Korea held a ceremony to present 600mm large-caliber multiple rocket launchers as a show of force. The Korean Central News Agency released photos on the 19th of last month showing North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attending the presentation ceremony.
"If these weapons are used, the military infrastructure and command systems of the belligerent state will collapse instantly," Kim said at the event. "If their use becomes reality, no 'divine protection' will be received."
Kim also claimed the weapon is "the world's most powerful concentrated super-powerful attack weapon, combining the precision and power of tactical ballistic missiles with the rapid-fire capability of multiple rocket launchers." He added it was "designed to be suitable for special attacks, namely the execution of strategic missions, and incorporates artificial intelligence technology and composite guidance systems."
Friday's launch was the first since January 27 and the third this year. The simultaneous firing of approximately 10 missiles is unusual and is interpreted as a show of force.
The presidential National Security Office convened an emergency security situation review meeting with the Ministry of National Defense, JCS, and other relevant agencies. The NSO characterized the launch as "a provocative act violating UN Security Council resolutions" and urged North Korea to cease immediately. The office reported the launch and response measures to President Lee Jae-myung.
