North Korea launches short-range ballistic missiles off its eastern coast, in this photo issued by the state-run Korean Central News Agency on May 9, 2025. (KCNA)
North Korea launched a series of short-range ballistic missiles Thursday during a nuclear counterstrike drill overseen by leader Kim Jong Un, in what state media said was a response to recent nuclear exercises by the United States and South Korea.
The drill, held at an unspecified location, included 600 mm multiple rocket launchers and a Hwasongpho-11-Ka tactical ballistic missile, according to the Korean Central News Agency. Pyongyang claims both systems can carry tactical nuclear warheads.
Kim, who was present for the drill, said “it is very important to steadily perfect the normal combat readiness of the nuclear force,” KCNA reported. The military “should continue to direct efforts to steadily improve the long-range precision striking capability and efficiency of weapons system,” he added.
South Korea’s military confirmed the launches, reporting Thursday that several short-range ballistic missiles were fired eastward from Wonsan, a coastal city 90 miles from Pyongyang. They flew approximately 500 miles before falling into the Sea of Japan, or East Sea, according to the Ministry of National Defense.
Though North Korea labels its 600 mm weapons as “super large” rocket launchers, South Korean officials and independent experts classify them as ballistic missiles, citing their range, size and guidance systems.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversees short-range ballistic missile launches, in this photo issued by the state-run Korean Central News Agency on May 9, 2025. (KCNA)
North Korea launches short-range ballistic missiles off its eastern coast, in this photo issued by the state-run Korean Central News Agency on May 9, 2025. (KCNA)
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversees short-range ballistic missile launches, in this photo issued by the state-run Korean Central News Agency on May 9, 2025. (KCNA)
North Korea launches a short-range ballistic missile off its eastern coast, in this photo issued by the state-run Korean Central News Agency on May 9, 2025. (KCNA)
Yang Uk, a research fellow at the Seoul-based Asan Institute for Policy Studies, said such launches are “kind of an ordinary thing” for the communist regime, but noted the timing — a day ahead of Russia’s annual Victory Day holiday — may be significant.
Yang, speaking to Stars and Stripes by phone Friday, noted how North Korea has deepened ties with Russia by covertly supplying troops, weapons and ammunition for Moscow’s three-year invasion of Ukraine. In June, Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged mutual military aid if either country is attacked.
“We speculate that Russia is paying North Korea with resources, budget and high-tech military technology” for Pyongyang’s troops and supplies, Yang said.
South Korea’s defense ministry suggested Thursday’s launches may have been used to demonstrate the missiles’ readiness for potential export.
U.S. and South Korean forces have conducted several nuclear-threat response drills this year.
In April, the Army’s Nuclear and Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Agency held its first two-day training course to prepare military officers from South Korea’s Strategic Command to respond to a nuclear attack, according to U.S. Forces Korea.
In March, two U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers flew alongside U.S. and South Korean aircraft in an air interdiction drill over the South’s airspace, part of ongoing efforts to counter the North’s nuclear and missile threats.
