Middle East War: North Korea launches suspected ballistic missile toward Sea of Japan escalating tensions

North Korea launched a suspected ballistic missile toward the Sea of Japan, South Korea’s military said, in a move that heightens tensions in East Asia as the US and South Korea continue joint military exercises.

Post Published By: Ayushi Bisht

Updated : 14 March 2026, 2:02 PM IST

North Korea launches suspected ballistic missile toward Sea of Japan escalating tensions

Seoul: North Korea launched a suspected ballistic missile toward the Sea of Japan on Saturday, according to the military of South Korea.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the projectile was fired from North Korean territory toward its eastern waters. Officials initially described the object as an “unidentified projectile,” though early assessments suggested it was likely a ballistic missile.

Authorities are continuing to analyse the launch to determine the exact type and range of the weapon.

Launch Coincides With Joint Military Exercises

The missile test came as the United States and South Korea are conducting their annual joint military drills known as Freedom Shield. The large-scale exercise involves thousands of troops and is designed to test the allies’ joint operational readiness and response capabilities under evolving security scenarios.

The drills, which began earlier this month, are scheduled to continue until March 19. Alongside the command-post exercise, the allies are also carrying out a field training programme called Warrior Shield.

North Korea Criticises Military Drills

Pyongyang has long condemned the joint exercises, describing them as preparations for an invasion. The North frequently responds to such drills with missile launches or military demonstrations.

Earlier this week, Kim Yo-jong criticised Washington and Seoul for proceeding with the exercises, warning that actions threatening the country’s security could have “serious consequences.”

Stalled Diplomacy and Growing Tensions

Efforts to restart diplomatic negotiations on North Korea’s nuclear programme have remained stalled since talks between Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump collapsed in 2019.

In recent years, Pyongyang has continued developing new missile technologies, including short-range and intermediate-range ballistic missiles as well as hypersonic weapons.

Security analysts say such launches highlight ongoing tensions on the Korean Peninsula and raise concerns among neighbouring countries, including Japan.