North Korea Launches Missiles Amid US-South Korea Drills

Published: 14 March 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

North Korea launched more than 10 ballistic missiles into the sea on Saturday, South Korea’s military reported, amid ongoing joint military exercises by the United States and South Korea. The missiles were fired from near the capital, Pyongyang, toward the country’s east coast. Japan’s coast guard noted that one missile appeared to have landed outside its exclusive economic zone.

The missile launches come as Washington and Seoul conduct large-scale drills, which the allies describe as purely defensive exercises intended to test readiness against potential threats from Pyongyang. North Korea frequently denounces such exercises as rehearsals for invasion and often responds with missile tests.

President Donald Trump has renewed overtures toward North Korea for dialogue. South Korea’s Prime Minister Kim Min-seok reported that Trump indicated a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un “would be good,” potentially aligning with the US president’s April visit to Beijing. However, Pyongyang has remained cautious, recently calling South Korea’s peace efforts a “clumsy, deceptive farce.”

Over the past two decades, North Korea has developed a range of ballistic and cruise missiles, aiming to establish a nuclear deterrent. The country has remained largely defiant despite multiple UN Security Council sanctions imposed since 2006, which have restricted its trade, economy, and defence capabilities.

Trump’s administration has made several attempts to revive high-level talks with Pyongyang, exploring the possibility of a summit that could address North Korea’s nuclear programme. While Trump has expressed openness to engagement, Kim Jong-un has indicated that improved relations would require Washington’s acceptance of Pyongyang’s nuclear status.

Experts say North Korea’s latest missile tests are designed to reinforce its strategic position and signal that it will not compromise its nuclear ambitions. Analysts also caution that the ongoing military drills and diplomatic uncertainty could further escalate tensions in the region, complicating efforts for denuclearisation and regional stability.

The situation underscores the fragile security environment in Northeast Asia, where provocative military displays and diplomatic overtures occur simultaneously. Both Washington and Seoul continue to stress the defensive nature of their exercises, while Pyongyang maintains a posture of deterrence and readiness.