North Korea launched more than ten multiple rocket launchers (MRLs) into the West Sea on Thursday morning.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said the military detected the launches around 10 a.m. from the Sunan area of South Pyongan Province, with the rockets flying in a northwestern direction. The JCS added that it had identified early signs of a potential launch and was prepared in advance.
The rockets were fired toward the West Sea and reportedly traveled several dozen kilometers. South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities are currently conducting a detailed analysis of the rocket specifications.
The MRLs fired by North Korea are believed to be 240mm (9.45-inch) systems, not the 600mm (23.62-inch) super-large-caliber launchers. The 240mm class is considered long-range artillery capable of targeting South Korean frontline units and the greater Seoul metropolitan area. Last year, North Korea revealed that it had tested a new 240mm guided rocket featuring improved maneuverability.
The latest launch appears to be part of North Korea’s artillery training and also a response to recent South Korean military exercises.
The South Korean military conducted artillery training on Wednesday and Thursday using K105A1 wheeled self-propelled howitzers and K55A1 self-propelled howitzers at the Chilsung firing range in Hwacheon, Gangwon Province. Additionally, the Lee Jae-myung administration oversaw its first trilateral air exercise with the United States and Japan on Wednesday since taking office.
The JCS stated that the military is closely monitoring North Korea’s activities under a strong combined defense posture with the United States, aiming to prevent any miscalculations by Pyongyang. It emphasized that South Korea maintains the full capability and readiness to respond overwhelmingly to any provocations.
The JCS emphasized, “In the current security environment, we are closely monitoring North Korea’s various activities under a robust U.S.-South Korea combined defense posture to prevent any miscalculations by Pyongyang. We maintain the capability and readiness to respond overwhelmingly to any provocations.”