North Korea fires second ballistic missiles in a week

North Korea launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles on Wednesday morning, marking the regime’s second missile test in a week. The launch adds to a growing series of military provocations, which have intensified international concerns over Pyongyang’s deepening ties with Russia and its role in the war in Ukraine.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) confirmed the launch, stating that the missiles were detected at approximately 6:50 a.m. local time (2150 GMT), aimed toward the northeast. “Our military is enhancing its monitoring and maintaining readiness in cooperation with the United States and Japan,” the JCS said, as it continues to analyze the nature of the missiles.

Tokyo’s coastguard also acknowledged the launch, urging vessels in the area to stay alert and report any sightings of debris.

Escalating military activity

North Korea’s missile tests come at a time when diplomatic efforts have reached a standstill. The missile launch on Wednesday follows a similar test last Thursday, in which multiple short-range missiles were fired into waters east of the Korean Peninsula. That test, described by Pyongyang as a trial of a new 600mm multiple rocket launcher, was overseen by Kim Jong Un himself, according to state media.

In the past year, North Korea has conducted numerous weapons tests, part of what analysts see as a broader campaign to bolster its military capability while forging new strategic alliances. Pyongyang declared South Korea its “principal enemy” earlier this year, further heightening tensions along the heavily militarized border.

N. Korea’s alleged arms supplies to Russia

Experts believe that North Korea’s recent surge in weapons tests may also be linked to reports of the regime supplying arms to Russia for use in the ongoing war in Ukraine. A recent study by Conflict Armament Research revealed evidence suggesting that missiles produced in North Korea this year were being used on the Ukrainian battlefield.

While Pyongyang has denied accusations of arms trade with Russia, Moscow has recently intensified its diplomatic and military ties with the isolated regime. In June, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited North Korea for the first time in years, where he signed a mutual defense agreement with Kim.

Just last week, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu traveled to Pyongyang, reportedly in search of additional military support for Russia’s offensive in Ukraine. The trip underscored growing speculation that North Korea could be supplying arms to Moscow in violation of international sanctions.

North Korea’s nuclear expansion

North Korea has also taken steps to advance its nuclear capabilities. Kim recently visited a key uranium enrichment facility, calling for an expansion of the country’s centrifuge operations to bolster its nuclear arsenal. These facilities produce highly enriched uranium, a critical component for nuclear warheads, and are a focal point of North Korea’s banned weapons program.

Despite a raft of UN sanctions that have been in place since its first nuclear test in 2006, North Korea continues to flout international restrictions, with support from key allies like Russia and China allowing it to avoid further diplomatic isolation.

The continued missile tests, along with North Korea’s efforts to expand its nuclear capabilities, have alarmed regional powers and increased tensions between Pyongyang and Seoul, which remains on high alert. With diplomatic channels largely inactive, the situation on the Korean Peninsula remains volatile, and experts warn that the missile launches could signal more provocations to come.