North Korea Conducts Live-Fire Drill as South Korea Tracks Ballistic Missile Launches

North Korea has highlighted its military capabilities after conducting a joint live-fire exercise involving missiles, artillery and drones, while South Korea reported detecting several short-range ballistic missile launches from the North.

The exercise was held on Saturday and was publicly reported by North Korea on Monday. Pyongyang said the drill was designed to train troops in using an integrated firepower control system and demonstrated the destructive potential of coordinated attacks involving multiple weapons.

South Korea’s military said the missiles were launched from the Wonsan area on North Korea’s eastern coast. Several projectiles reportedly travelled about 250 kilometres towards waters off the North’s eastern coast. The range suggests the weapons could be designed to strike targets in South Korea, although North Korea’s claims about its military tests are difficult to independently verify.

The launches were North Korea’s first publicly reported ballistic missile tests in around three weeks and came as efforts to revive dialogue between Pyongyang and Washington remain stalled.

North Korean Marshal Pak Jong Chon said the drill would improve the military’s ability to operate its forces once an order is issued. Pyongyang has continued to emphasise its growing military strength amid rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

US President Donald Trump recently reduced the scale of a major military exercise with South Korea, saying he maintained a good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. North Korea rejected the move, arguing that shortening the exercise did not alter what it considers its provocative nature.

Analysts say North Korea may feel it has greater leverage in future negotiations because of advances in its nuclear weapons programme and stronger ties with Russia and China. Kim has previously indicated that Pyongyang could consider returning to talks if Washington abandons what he calls its hostile policy and recognises North Korea’s nuclear status.

The latest missile launches and live-fire drill underscore the continuing military tensions even as diplomatic efforts between North Korea and the United States remain uncertain.