North Korea is known for its unpredictable behavior and its continuous pursuit of nuclear weapons. The country has repeatedly tested ballistic missiles, causing concern and tension around the world. The latest missile launches have intensified the already high level of scrutiny on North Korea’s nuclear program. In this blog, we will provide a timeline of when North Korea Fires Ballistic Missiles and the events surrounding those launches.
2017 Missile Launches
On February 12, 2017, North Korea launched a medium-range ballistic missile, the Pukguksong-2, in violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions. This missile was launched from a mobile launcher and flew about 500 kilometers (310 miles) before landing in the Sea of Japan.
On May 14, 2017, North Korea launched another medium-range ballistic missile, the Hwasong-12, which flew over 700 kilometers (435 miles) before landing in the Sea of Japan. This missile was also launched from a mobile launcher and reached an altitude of over 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles).
On May 21, 2017, North Korea Fires Ballistic Missiles conducted another missile test, launching a short-range ballistic missile that flew about 500 kilometers (310 miles) before landing in the Sea of Japan. This missile was also launched from a mobile launcher.
On July 4, 2017, North Korea conducted its first-ever test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The missile, called the Hwasong-14, flew for approximately 39 minutes, reaching an altitude of 2,802 kilometers (1,741 miles) before landing in the Sea of Japan. The range of this missile is estimated to be about 10,000 kilometers (6,200 miles), which means it is capable of reaching Alaska.
On July 28, 2017, North Korea launched another ICBM, the Hwasong-14. This missile was launched from a mobile launcher and flew for approximately 45 minutes, reaching an altitude of 3,725 kilometers (2,314 miles) before landing in the Sea of Japan. This missile had an estimated range of about 10,000 kilometers (6,200 miles).
2019 Missile Launches
On May 4, 2019, North Korea conducted a missile test, launching several short-range projectiles from its eastern coast. These missiles were identified as “rockets” by the North Korean state media, but they were later confirmed to be short-range ballistic missiles.
The missiles flew approximately 70 to 200 kilometers (43 to 124 miles) before landing in the Sea of Japan. On May 9, 2019, North Korea Fires Ballistic Missiles, launching two short-range ballistic missiles from its northwest region. The missiles flew approximately 420 kilometers (260 miles) before landing in the Sea of Japan.
2021 Missile Launches
On March 25, 2021, North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan. The missiles were launched from the central part of North Korea and flew about 450 kilometers (280 miles) before landing in the sea. This launch came just days after North Korea fired two non-ballistic missiles as part of a military drill.
On March 26, 2021, North Korea fired two more ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan. The missiles were identified as being of the same type as the previous day’s launches, and they flew about 400 kilometers (250 miles) before landing in the sea. On July 25, 2021, North Korea fired two more ballistic missiles, the first such launch in six months.
Recent missile launches
In September 2021, North Korea Fires Ballistic Missiles into the sea off its eastern coast. This was seen as a violation of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions that banned North Korea from developing or testing ballistic missiles.
The missile tests were condemned by the United States, South Korea, and Japan. The U.S. State Department said in a statement that the missile tests were a threat to the region and the international community. North Korea has claimed that its missile tests are in response to joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea.
However, experts suggest that these missile launches may be part of North Korea’s efforts to enhance its nuclear capabilities and increase its bargaining power with the international community. The launches also come amidst stalled talks between North Korea and the United States regarding North Korea’s nuclear program. These talks have been on hold since 2019.
Previous missile launches
North Korea has a history of launching ballistic missiles. In 2017, North Korea conducted several missile tests, including its first successful intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch. The ICBM had the potential to reach the United States.
In response, the United Nations imposed strict sanctions on North Korea Fires Ballistic Missiles, which severely impacted the country’s economy. However, North Korea continued to conduct missile tests, including a series of short-range missile launches in 2019.
North Korea has repeatedly defended its missile tests, stating that they are necessary for its self-defense. However, the international community remains concerned about North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs.
Impact of missile launches
The missile launches have significant implications for regional and international security. They increase tensions between North Korea and its neighbors, particularly South Korea and Japan. These missile launches also undermine efforts to achieve peace and stability on the Korean peninsula.
The missile launches also violate multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions, which impose sanctions on North Korea and ban the country from developing or testing ballistic missiles. Violations of these resolutions could lead to further sanctions on North Korea, which could have a significant impact on the country’s already struggling economy.
Conclusion
North Korea Fires Ballistic Missiles launches are a cause for concern for the international community. These launches violate multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions and increase tensions in the region. They also have implications for international security and undermine efforts to achieve peace on the Korean peninsula. The United States and its allies have condemned these missile launches and have called for North Korea to abandon its missile and nuclear programs. However, North Korea has continued to conduct missile tests, arguing that they are necessary for its self-defense. The international community must continue to closely monitor North Korea’s missile program and take appropriate measures to ensure regional and international security.