North Korea Launches Ballistic Missile Ahead of US-South Korea Drills

The Government of North Korea launched a ballistic missile into the East Sea on Wednesday, August 11, marking its 11th ballistic launch of the year. The Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea detected the projectile around 6 a.m. originating from the Wonsan area. Japan's Ministry of Defence confirmed the launch but reported that the missile did not enter the Japanese exclusive economic zone.

This launch follows the announcement that the United States and South Korea will conduct the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercises from August 17 to 27. The drills will involve 18,000 South Korean soldiers, an event Pyongyang characterizes as a rehearsal for invasion.

In a separate development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that North Korea may deploy tens of thousands of additional soldiers and missiles to support Russia's war against Ukraine. Zelenskyy requested air defense systems from South Korea to counter intensified Russian attacks.