North Korea fires 10 multiple rocket launcher shells after trilateral air drills

IANS June 19, 2025 323 views

North Korea fired 10 artillery shells toward the Yellow Sea just a day after joint US-South Korea-Japan air drills. The 240mm rocket launcher system puts Seoul within striking range, escalating regional tensions. This follows Pyongyang’s recent cruise missile tests after a naval accident. South Korea’s military remains on high alert, warning of an overwhelming response to further provocations.

"We are closely monitoring North Korean activities to prevent any misjudgment of the security situation." – Joint Chiefs of Staff
Seoul, June 19: North Korea fired around 10 artillery shells from its multiple rocket launcher system on Thursday, South Korea's military said, a day after the South conducted joint air drills with the United States and Japan.

Key Points

1

North Korea fires 240mm rocket launcher shells toward Yellow Sea

2

Test follows US-South Korea-Japan aerial drills

3

Pyongyang recently tested cruise missiles after naval accident

4

South Korea vows overwhelming response to provocations

The North fired the shells toward the Yellow Sea at around 10 a.m. from the Sunan area near Pyongyang, the military said, adding that South Korean and US intelligence authorities are conducting an analysis of the latest weapon test.

The North's 240mm multiple rocket launcher puts Seoul and its adjacent areas in target range. Last year, the North conducted a test-launch of what it claimed to be a multiple rocket launcher equipped with a new guidance system, Yonhap news agency reported.

The weapon test came a day after South Korea, the US and Japan conducted a three-way aerial exercise as part of efforts to strengthen their trilateral security cooperation against North Korean military threats.

The exercise, the first to take place under the Lee Jae Myung government, involved the South Korean F-15K, the US F-16 and the Japanese F-2 fighter jets.

Last month, North Korea had fired multiple cruise missiles toward the East Sea, South Korea's military said, a day after a "serious" accident occurred during Pyongyang's launch of a new warship.

The launches took place as North Korea said earlier in the day that parts of a new naval destroyer were "crushed" during its launch ceremony, with the North's leader Kim Jong-un calling it a "criminal act" that could not be tolerated.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said it detected the North's missile launches from the Sondok area in South Hamgyong Province, without providing further details, such as the number of missiles fired.

The JCS said it is closely monitoring North Korean activities so that Pyongyang does not "misjudge" the current security situation, adding that it is maintaining the capabilities to "overwhelmingly" respond to any provocation.

It marked the North's latest major missile launch this month after it fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea on May 8.

The South's military usually does not immediately announce North Korean cruise missile launches, compared with ballistic ones, which are banned under UN Security Council resolutions.

Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments on the North Korea missile launch article:
R
Rahul K.
This constant saber-rattling by North Korea is concerning for global stability. While we have our own border tensions, at least India maintains diplomatic channels open. Kim Jong-un's regime seems to thrive on creating crises. Hope our MEA is watching these developments closely.
P
Priya M.
The timing is interesting - right after trilateral drills. Reminds me of how Pakistan reacts after our military exercises. These authoritarian regimes always need an enemy narrative to justify their rule. Stay strong, South Korea! 🇮🇳🤝🇰🇷
A
Arjun S.
As someone who follows defense tech, North Korea's 240mm rocket launcher development is concerning. Their weapons keep improving despite sanctions. Makes you wonder if they're getting external help (looking at you, China). India should take notes on how South Korea handles this - strong deterrence with US alliance.
S
Sunita R.
The common people suffer the most in these situations. While leaders play war games, ordinary North Koreans face starvation. Reminds me of how our neighbors sometimes prioritize military over citizens' welfare. Hope diplomacy prevails 🤞
V
Vikram J.
Interesting how North Korea always has these "accidents" before missile tests - seems like an excuse to divert attention. The warship incident last month, now this. Their playbook is getting predictable. Meanwhile, India's measured responses to provocations look more statesmanlike in comparison.
N
Neha P.
While North Korea's actions are condemnable, we must also question if US-led military drills near their borders escalate tensions. As Indians who value strategic autonomy, we should advocate for peaceful solutions. The Korean conflict needs dialogue, not more weapons. ☮️

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Your email won't be published


Disclaimer: Comments here reflect the author's views alone. Insulting or using offensive language against individuals, communities, religion, or the nation is illegal.

Tags:
North Korea Kim Jong-un US-South Korea-Japan drills missile test military tensions Yellow Sea