In response to North Korea’s launch of a long-range ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan, the United States, South Korea, and Japan conducted joint air exercises on Sunday. The exercises, which included strategic bombers, demonstrated the allies’ “overwhelming” defence capabilities and readiness. The security environment was deemed “increasingly severe” by Japan’s defence ministry after the missile landed within its Exclusive Economic Zone.
North Korea’s state news agency KCNA reported that the Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) was test-fired from Pyongyang airport on Saturday in a “surprise ICBM launching drill”. The missile flew 989km (615 miles) and travelled for just over an hour before hitting the pre-set area in the East Sea of Korea.
The test was met with strong condemnation from the Group of Seven (G7), the leading seven world economies. A statement released after a meeting of G7 foreign ministers at the Munich Security Conference called the attack a “blatant violation” of UN Security Council resolutions. The UN resolutions prohibit North Korea from testing ballistic missiles of any range, which – depending on their design – can also be equipped with a nuclear warhead. This was the first test of such a missile in more than a month.
The joint air exercises conducted by the US, South Korea, and Japan were intended to demonstrate their commitment to defending the Korean Peninsula and implementing extended deterrence. The exercises also served as a reminder that North Korea’s actions are in violation of UN Security Council resolutions and will not be tolerated. The G7’s condemnation of the attack further emphasizes the international community’s stance against North Korea’s missile tests.