Archive · 14 Sep 2026
North Korea Describes Missile Launches as Live-Fire Drill
North Korea said it held a military exercise using missiles, artillery and drones.
It said the exercise showed how much damage its weapons could cause.
South Korea said North Korea had launched an unidentified projectile on Saturday.
South Korea said the projectile flew about 250 kilometers toward the Sea of Japan.
It called the launch a violation of United Nations rules.
The launches happened one day after South Korea finished military drills with the United States and Japan.
The United States said the launches did not create an immediate danger to its people, territory or allies.
North Korea also said the exercise helped its forces practice coordinating their weapons.
North Korea said its Saturday launches were part of a joint live-fire drill involving missiles, artillery and drones.
The Korean Central News Agency said the exercise demonstrated the “huge destructive power” of concentrated fire.
South Korea said an unidentified projectile traveled about 250 kilometers toward the Sea of Japan, or East Sea.
South Korea called the launches a serious violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions and urged North Korea to stop.
The United States said the launches posed no immediate threat while reaffirming its commitment to regional allies.
- Who
- North Korea conducted the drill; South Korea, the United States and Japan responded to the launches.
- What
- North Korea described missile, artillery and drone launches as a joint live-fire drill, while South Korea reported an unidentified projectile launch.
- When
- The launches occurred on Saturday, and North Korea issued its response on Monday, September 14.
- Where
- The projectile was launched toward the Sea of Japan, which Koreans call the East Sea.
- Why
- North Korea said the drill was intended to demonstrate concentrated firepower and practice its integrated firepower control system; South Korea said the launches violated United Nations Security Council resolutions.
North Korea’s Account
South Korea and U.S. Response
Nature of the launches
North Korea’s Account
North Korea described the activity as a joint live-fire drill involving missiles, artillery and drones.
South Korea and U.S. Response
South Korea reported an unidentified projectile and characterized the activity as a ballistic missile launch.
Purpose and significance
North Korea’s Account
North Korea said the drill demonstrated concentrated firepower and improved forces’ ability to operate an integrated firepower control system.
South Korea and U.S. Response
South Korea called the launches a serious violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions and urged North Korea to stop.
Level of danger
North Korea’s Account
North Korea emphasized the drill’s destructive capability and its value in preparing to defeat opposing forces.
South Korea and U.S. Response
The United States said the launches did not pose an immediate threat, while reaffirming its defense commitment to allies.
- North Korea’s description
- A joint live-fire drill involving missiles, artillery and drones.
- Reported flight distance
- About 250 kilometers (155 miles), according to South Korea.
- Launch timing
- Around 5:20 a.m. local time Saturday, or 2020 GMT Friday, according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff.
- Target direction
- Toward the Sea of Japan, also called the East Sea in Korea.
- South Korean response
- An emergency security review meeting and a call for North Korea to halt ballistic missile launches.
- Recent allied drills
- South Korea had completed five days of joint maritime exercises with the United States and Japan the previous day.
- U.S. assessment
- The United States said the event posed no immediate threat to U.S. personnel, territory or allies.