North Korea fired what appeared to be a ballistic missile towards the Sea of Japan, marking its second missile test of the month. South Korea’s military also detected a projectile launched towards the East Sea. The latest launch comes amid Pyongyang’s continued push to expand its missile arsenal and improve strike capabilities.
Missile Launch Details
- Tokyo’s Defence Ministry said the missile was fired on 27 January 2026.
- South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed a projectile launch towards the East Sea.
- The test followed an earlier salvo of missiles fired hours before a South Korean leader’s visit to China for a summit.
Hypersonic Weapons Focus
- North Korea said the latest test involved a hypersonic weapons system.
- Hypersonic missiles are designed to travel at very high speed and can be harder to intercept.
- Such systems are viewed as important for precision strike capability.
Strategic Significance
- Analysts see the testing pattern as a challenge to the United States and South Korea.
- The launches also indicate efforts to refine weapons before possible export to Russia.
- North Korea has increased missile testing in recent years.
Party Congress And Military Build-Up
- Pyongyang is preparing for a major ruling party congress in the coming weeks.
- It will be the first such congress in five years.
- Kim Jong Un has ordered the expansion and modernisation of missile production ahead of the meeting.