North Korea fired over 10 rounds of super-large caliber multiple rocket launchers (KN-25) with a 600mm caliber into the East Sea on May 30. They also attempted to disrupt the Global Positioning System (GPS) in the West Sea, continuing its multi-faceted provocations a day after spreading waste balloons (balloons filled with trash).
According to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), the South Korean military detected about ten short-range ballistic missiles (SRBM) presumed to have been launched from the Sunan area into the East Sea around 6:14 AM on May 30.
South Korean military believes that North Korea fired over 10 rounds of super-large caliber multiple rocket launchers using a transporter erector launcher (TEL). North Korea’s super-large caliber multiple rocket launchers were classified as ballistic missiles as they contained missile guidance.
North Korea’s missile landed in the East Sea after flying about 217 miles. These missiles were aimed at the uninhabited island of Al Island off the coast of Hamgyong, indicating that they may have struck the island.
Sunan, where North Korea fired missiles that day, is about 217 miles south of South Korea’s Army, Navy, and Air Force Headquarters in Gyeryongdae, as well as the U.S. Air Force base in Gunsan. Therefore, the provocations could have threatened these locations. It is known that North Korea’s super-large caliber multiple rocket launchers can be equipped with nuclear weapons.
The JCS stated, “South Korea’s military immediately tracked the launch of North Korean missiles, closely shared related information with the U.S. and Japan, and is comprehensively analyzing the detailed specifications. We strongly condemn North Korea’s missile launch as a clear provocative act that seriously threatens the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula.”
North Korea’s missile launch today was a high-intensity military provocation just three days after the failure of its military reconnaissance satellite launch on May 27.
At approximately 7:50 AM, the JCS detected North Korea’s GPS disruption signals from north of the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the West Sea. North Korea’s attempt to disrupt GPS signals continued for the second day.
The JCS stated, “There are currently no restrictions on military operations due to GPS disruption.” Some disruptions were reported within the civilian area, but no operational control was exercised.
Since May 28, North Korea has been sending waste balloons to South Korea while attempting to disrupt GPS signals, which is interpreted as psychological warfare against the South.
Kim Yo Jong, Deputy Director of the North Korean Workers’ Party, hinted at additional spreading of waste balloons in a statement through the Korean Central News Agency on May 29, calling it “the freedom of expression of our people.”
The JCS emphasized, “Under the firm South Korea-U.S. combined defense posture, South Korea’s military will maintain the capability and readiness to respond overwhelmingly to any provocation while closely monitoring North Korea’s various activities.”