On January 6, North Korea launched an intermediate-range ballistic missile, according to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). Monday’s launch is the North’s first reported ballistic missile test since it tested multiple short-range ballistic missiles on November 5, 2024.

According to the JCS, the missile was launched from the area of Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, and flew about 1,100 km before falling into the sea off its east coast. Considering the range and apogee of the launched missile, the North could have tested a suspected hypersonic missile, an upgraded version of what it tested in January and April of last year.

The South’s JCS said the South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities have monitored the North’s military movements and have reinforced their surveillance and vigilance posture, according to the South’s local media reports. The JCS also said it is maintaining military readiness and can overwhelmingly respond to any military provocations from North Korea under South Korea’s joint........

© The Diplomat