A suspected hypersonic missile launched by North Korea exploded midair on Wednesday, South Korea’s military said.
The launch from near the capital, Pyongyang, ended in failure as the missile blew up over the eastern coastal waters near the North Korean city of Wonsan, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.
The missile fragments scattered up to 250 kilometers away. No damages were reported.
The missile, likely solid-fueled, emitted more smoke than usual, suggesting engine issues, South Korea said.
Japan’s Defense Ministry also confirmed the launch of the missile.
Launch comes ahead of trilateral military drill
North Korea has been testing hypersonic missiles since 2021, seemingly aimed at targeting South Korea’s missile defense systems.
Wednesday’s test also came ahead of the regional deployment of a US aircraft carrier for a trilateral military drill with South Korea and Japan.
North Korea’s vice defense minister, Kim Kang Il, on Monday called the US aircraft carrier’s deployment “reckless” and “dangerous.”
Pyongyang has previously condemned US-South Korean drills and responded with missile tests.
Senior officials from South Korea, the United States and Japan held a phone call to condemn the recent launch, calling it a violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions and a threat to peace and stability.