On March 14, 2026, North Korea launched over ten ballistic missiles into the sea, coinciding with joint military exercises by the United States and South Korea. The South Korean military reported the launches, which took place near Pyongyang, targeting the eastern coast. The Japanese Coast Guard detected a possible missile landing outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone, as confirmed by public broadcaster NHK.
The missiles, launched from an area close to North Korea’s capital, reached an altitude of 80 kilometers and traveled approximately 340 kilometers, according to Japan’s Ministry of Defense. These tests are part of North Korea’s long-standing efforts to develop nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles, a pursuit that has led to multiple UN Security Council sanctions since 2006.
This week marks the start of annual military drills by the US and South Korea, which they describe as defensive maneuvers to ensure readiness against North Korean threats. These exercises involve hundreds of soldiers and equipment such as tanks and armored vehicles. The US maintains about 28,500 troops in South Korea, a presence that North Korea often criticizes as preparation for an invasion.
Recently, South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok met with US President Donald Trump in Washington to discuss reopening dialogue with North Korea. Trump has expressed eagerness to engage with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Despite these diplomatic efforts, North Korea’s missile tests continue to heighten regional tensions.
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