North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has overseen a series of short-range ballistic missile tests simulating tactical nuclear counter attacks against US and South Korean forces, state media have reported, as Pyongyang blamed joint military drills by its adversaries for raising tensions.
According to the Korean Central News Agency, Thursday's tests were part of training exercises aimed at enhancing the operational effectiveness of missile and rocket units under North Korea's nuclear command structure.
The launch demonstrated the "rapid counteraction posture" of the regime's forces in response to a nuclear threat, the agency said.
The tests involved a mobile ballistic missile system resembling Russia's Iskander and 600-millimetre multiple rocket launchers.
South Korean officials classify both systems as ballistic missiles due to their guided trajectories and propulsion capabilities.
Kim Jong-un reportedly emphasised the need to expand the role of nuclear forces in both deterrence and combat scenarios.
He called for enhanced military preparedness and improved precision strike capabilities, criticising joint military drills by the United States and its allieds, which North Korea views as provocative.
South Korea's military had earlier detected several launches from North Korea's eastern coast, with missiles fired between 8:10-9:20 am from the vicinity of Wonsan.
The longest-range projectile travelled approximately 800 kilometres, according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Lee Sung-joon, spokesperson for the Joint Chiefs, said the launches may have also served to test weapons intended for export, particularly amid suspicions that North Korea continues to provide military support to Russia in its war against Ukraine.
South Korea's Unification Ministry condemned the launches as a "clear act of provocation" and a violation of UN Security Council resolutions.
Spokesperson Kim Inae said the tests posed a threat to regional peace and stability.
Japan's Defence Minister Gen Nakatani confirmed that no missiles entered Japan's exclusive economic zone and there was no reported damage to aircraft or maritime traffic.
The launches mark North Korea's sixth known missile event this year and the first since 10 March, when the regime fired multiple projectiles in response to annual joint US-South Korea military exercises.
In a separate development, KCNA reported that Kim visited the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang on Friday to mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany.
During the visit, he praised the "long-standing strategic relationship" between North Korea and Russia.
The weapons tests come just a day after Kim urged increased production of artillery shells, further signalling his deepening military ties with Moscow.
