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On April 20, the Korean Central News Agency reported that the Missile General Bureau conducted a test-launch on April 19 to evaluate the power of the warhead designed for the upgraded 'Hwasong-11Ra' surface-to-surface tactical ballistic missile. / Photo via Yonhap News

North Korea fired several projectiles, including close-range ballistic missiles, into the West Sea on May 26.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) announced on the day, "North Korea has launched close-range ballistic missiles and other projectiles into the West Sea."

The JCS further stated, "Our military detected multiple types of projectiles, including close-range ballistic missiles, launched into the West Sea from the area of Jeongju, North Pyongan Province, at around 1:00 p.m. on May 26." The detected missiles flew approximately 80 kilometers, and South Korean and US intelligence authorities are currently conducting a precise analysis to determine their exact specifications.

The military body added, "South Korean and US intelligence agencies tracked and shared relevant movements from the early stage of the launch. Information regarding the North's ballistic missiles was also shared with Japan." It continued, "While strengthening surveillance and vigilance against potential additional launches, our military is keeping a close watch on North Korea's various activities and maintaining a robust readiness posture capable of responding overwhelmingly to any provocations."

Previously, on April 19, North Korea fired several short-range ballistic missiles from the Sinpo area in South Hamgyong Province into the East Sea, claiming they were equipped with cluster warheads. This latest ballistic missile launch marks the eighth of its kind this year, breaking a 37-day lull.

                                                                                                              Lee Han-sol