March 15, 2026

#global: North Korea launches ballistic missiles during US–South Korea military drills

Matthew Tukaki Posted On March 15, 2026

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have risen again after North Korea launched more than ten ballistic missiles into waters off its east coast during joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea.

South Korea’s military said the missiles were fired from an area near the capital Pyongyang at around 1.20pm local time, travelling towards the sea east of the Korean Peninsula.

Japan’s coast guard also detected what appeared to be a ballistic missile landing in the sea, though reports indicate the projectile fell outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone.

The launches came as United States and South Korean forces carried out their annual joint military exercises, which the allies say are defensive drills designed to improve readiness against potential threats from the North.

The exercises involve hundreds of troops and include operations such as river-crossing drills using tanks and armoured combat vehicles. Around 28,500 US military personnel remain stationed in South Korea as part of the long-standing security alliance between the two countries.

North Korea has regularly condemned the exercises, arguing they amount to rehearsals for military action against the country. Pyongyang has frequently responded to the drills with missile tests and other displays of military capability.

The missile launches come as diplomatic signals have also emerged from Washington. US President Donald Trump has indicated a willingness to reopen talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, with South Korean officials recently discussing possible pathways to renewed dialogue.

North Korea has spent decades developing ballistic missile technology capable of delivering nuclear weapons. Its weapons programmes have led to multiple rounds of United Nations Security Council sanctions since 2006, though the country has continued testing despite the economic pressure.

The latest launch highlights the ongoing volatility on the Korean Peninsula as military posturing and diplomatic efforts continue to unfold in parallel.