North Korea launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) into the East Sea from the Wonsan area in Gangwon Province on September 12. This marks the 13th ballistic missile provocation by North Korea this year.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that U.S. and South Korean forces detected several SRBM launches from the Wonsan region starting at approximately 5:20 a.m. local time.
The missiles traveled about 250 km (about 155 miles). U.S. and South Korean intelligence agencies are conducting a detailed analysis of the exact specifications. Both countries have been closely monitoring and sharing intelligence on these developments since the initial launch. Information about the North Korean ballistic missile activity was also shared with Japan.
This latest launch comes 23 days after North Korea fired approximately 10 SRBMs near Pyongyang on August 20. Notably, it occurred just one day after the conclusion of Freedom Shield, a trilateral multi-domain exercise involving U.S., South Korean, and Japanese forces.
Below is a chronology of North Korea’s missile launches and military provocations in 2023:
▲ Jan. 4: Multiple ballistic missiles launched into the East Sea from near Pyongyang during President Lee Jae-myung’s state visit to China. Missiles flew approximately 900 km (about 559 miles). North Korea claimed a hypersonic missile test with 1000 km (about 621 miles) range.
▲ Jan. 27: Several SRBMs fired into the East Sea from Pyongyang vicinity. Flight distance about 350 km. North Korea asserted firing four large-caliber multiple rocket launchers with 358 km range.
▲ Mar. 14: Approximately 10 ballistic missiles launched into the East Sea from Sunan, Pyongyang. Flight distance around 350 km (about 218 miles). North Korea claimed test of 600mm multiple rocket launcher with 364 km (about 226 miles) range.
▲ Apr. 7: Suspected ballistic missile launch near Pyongyang; projectile lost shortly after liftoff.
▲ Apr. 8: Multiple SRBMs fired into the East Sea from Wonsan area at 8:50 a.m. Flight distance 240 km (about 149 miles).
▲ Apr. 8: One SRBM launched into the East Sea from Wonsan region at 2:20 p.m. Flight distance approximately 700 km (about 435 miles). North Korea claimed test of cluster munition on Hwasong-11 missile.
▲ Apr. 19: Several SRBMs fired into the East Sea from Sinpo, South Hamgyong Province. Flight distance about 140 km. North Korea asserted test of five Hwasong-11R tactical ballistic missiles with cluster munitions, claiming 136 km (about 85 miles) range.
▲ May 26: Close-range ballistic missiles (CRBMs) and other projectiles launched into the West Sea from Jeongju area, North Pyongan Province. Flight distance 80 km. North Korea claimed tests of CRBMs, extended-range 240mm guided rocket launchers, and artificial intelligence (AI) equipped cruise missiles.
▲ Jun. 25: North Korea claimed tests of extended-range 240mm rocket launchers, ballistic missiles with special warheads, and 155mm self-propelled artillery.
▲ Aug. 6: One SRBM fired into the East Sea from Wonsan area.
▲ Aug. 12: Single SRBM launched into the East Sea from Wonsan region. Flight distance exceeded 700 km (about 435 miles).
▲ Aug. 20: Approximately 10 SRBMs fired into the East Sea from near Pyongyang. Flight distance about 300 km (about 186 miles).
▲ Sep. 12: Multiple SRBMs launched into the East Sea from Wonsan area. Flight distance approximately 250 km (about 155 miles).