North Korea fired multiple ballistic missiles towards the sea on Monday morning, 12 October, according to South Korea’s military, cited by DW. Military authorities in Seoul assessed the launches as a show of force following South Korea’s announcement of a test of a new hypersonic missile.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said missiles of different types were launched from the Pyongyang area. One travelled more than 900 kilometres before falling into the sea. DW also reports that Japan’s coastguard detected two objects launched from North Korea. That does not mean only two missiles were fired: the total number has not been disclosed.
According to DW, this was North Korea’s fourth missile test in October 2026. It followed South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s announcement of a test of a new hypersonic missile. The exact date of the South Korean test was not given.
South Korea’s military command described the latest launches as a demonstration of missile capabilities and a response to what it regarded as a successful South Korean missile test. This is the assessment of the military in Seoul, not a confirmed position from North Korean authorities. The timing of the launches after the test announcement does not, on its own, establish Pyongyang’s motives.
