North Korea has fired ballistic missile towards the Sea of Japan'

"North Korea has fired a ballistic missile towards the sea off its east coast, according to South Korea's military leaders. The South Korean joint chiefs of staff said: The North has launched an unidentified ballistic missile toward the East Sea, referring to the body of water also known as the Sea of Japan. Japan's defence ministry also said it had detected a suspected ballistic missile launch."

"A long-range surface-to-air missile is test-fired near the Sea of Japan on 24 December 2025. Photograph: KCNA/Reuters In recent weeks, Kim has made a series of visits to factories that build weapons, as well as to a nuclear-powered submarine, and has overseen missile tests ahead of next year's Ninth Party Congress of the Workers' Party, convened to set out major policy goals."

"North Korea staged a ballistic missile test in November, after the US president, Donald Trump, approved South Korea's plan to build a nuclear-powered submarine. Pyongyang has significantly stepped up missile testing in recent years. Analysts said this drive is aimed at improving precision strike capabilities, challenging the United States as well as South Korea and testing weapons before potentially exporting them to Russia."

An unidentified ballistic missile was launched from North Korea toward the East Sea and was detected by South Korean and Japanese authorities. Kim Jong-un called for more than doubling production of tactical guided weapons during a visit to a munitions factory and has recently inspected weapons factories and a nuclear-powered submarine. Missile tests and factory visits have accelerated ahead of the Ninth Party Congress to set policy goals. North Korea conducted a November missile test following U.S. approval for South Korean submarine development. Analysts link increased testing to improved precision, strategic deterrence, and potential arms export ambitions to Russia.

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