North Korea Launches Ballistic Missile Towards Sea of Japan Amid Weapons Production Push
On 3 January 2026, South Korea's joint chiefs of staff reported that North Korea launched an unidentified ballistic missile toward the East Sea (Sea of Japan) off its east coast. Japan's defence ministry also detected a suspected ballistic missile launch.
This missile test is part of North Korea's sustained missile-testing approach in recent years. Analysts note that the missile drive aims to improve North Korea's precision strike capabilities, challenge the United States and South Korea, and potentially enable weapons exports to Russia.
Kim Jong-un has been visiting weapons facilities, including a munitions factory and a nuclear-powered submarine, overseeing missile tests ahead of the Ninth Party Congress of the Workers' Party. During his visit to the munitions factory, Kim called for more than doubling the output of tactical guided weapons.
In November prior to this January test, North Korea staged another ballistic missile test following US President Donald Trump's approval of South Korea’s plan to build a nuclear-powered submarine.
