North Korea Fires Short-Range Ballistic Missiles Toward Sea of Japan Amid Rising Japan-U.S.-South Korea Tensions

September 12, 2026

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Summary

North Korea fired several short-range ballistic missiles from near Wonsan toward the Sea of Japan on the morning of the 12th. The missiles traveled approximately 250 kilometers, according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff. The launch followed the Japan-U.S.-South Korea Freedom Edge exercise held near Jeju Island from the 7th to the 11th. North Korea had previously warned that stronger trilateral cooperation could lead to “strong countermeasures.” Japan is closely watching the situation because the Sea of Japan is near its territory and includes important maritime routes. The launches come despite reduced or canceled U.S.-South Korea exercises and renewed calls for a U.S.-North Korea summit. North Korea has not indicated that it is ready to resume denuclearization talks. Read the full article for the regional security background and what the launch means for Japan.

North Korea launches several missiles

North Korea fired several short-range ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan early on the 12th, according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff. The missiles were launched at approximately 5:20 a.m. from an area near Wonsan on North Korea’s eastern coast and traveled about 250 kilometers before landing in waters in the direction of the Sea of Japan.

South Korean authorities said they were closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the United States and Japan. The Joint Chiefs of Staff emphasized that the three countries were sharing ballistic-missile information closely and maintaining a strong state of readiness.

Launch follows trilateral military exercise

The missile launches came shortly after Japan, the United States and South Korea completed a joint exercise known as Freedom Edge. The drills were held from the 7th through the 11th in international waters near South Korea’s Jeju Island and were designed to strengthen cooperation among the three countries.

The exercise included training intended to improve coordination in areas such as missile warning, maritime security and responses to potential regional contingencies. For Japan, cooperation with the United States and South Korea is increasingly important as Tokyo faces a complex security environment involving North Korea’s missile development, China’s expanding military activity and challenges to maritime stability in the Indo-Pacific.

North Korean Defense Minister Kim Song Gi had criticized the strengthening of Japan-U.S.-South Korea cooperation in a statement issued on the 7th. He described the trilateral partnership as a “serious threat” to security around the Korean Peninsula and warned that Pyongyang would take “strong countermeasures” if the three countries sought military confrontation with North Korea.

Repeated missile activity raises regional concerns

The latest launch is part of a pattern of repeated missile activity by North Korea. In August, the country launched ballistic missiles on three separate occasions. On August 20, more than 10 short-range ballistic missiles were confirmed to have been fired, according to the report.

Short-range ballistic missiles are generally designed to strike targets within the surrounding region. Their flight paths and ranges can vary, but repeated launches can provide North Korea with opportunities to test equipment, improve operational procedures and signal political opposition to military exercises conducted by neighboring countries.

The launches also highlight the importance of Japan’s missile-warning and defense systems. Japan’s Self-Defense Forces work with U.S. forces and regional partners to monitor missile activity and assess possible risks to Japanese territory, surrounding waters and shipping routes. Although the missiles reported in this incident were not described as striking Japan, activity in the Sea of Japan directly concerns Tokyo because the waters are close to Japan’s coastline and vital maritime routes.

Diplomatic prospects remain uncertain

The developments come as the United States and South Korea have reduced or canceled some joint military exercises, while U.S. President Donald Trump has called for another U.S.-North Korea summit. Despite these efforts, North Korea has not shown a clear willingness to resume negotiations focused on denuclearization.

The latest launch therefore carries both military and political significance. It may serve as a protest against trilateral security cooperation, while also demonstrating that North Korea intends to maintain its weapons programs despite diplomatic overtures. Japan, the United States and South Korea are expected to continue strengthening information sharing and maintaining vigilance, while regional governments balance deterrence with efforts to avoid further escalation.