North Korea Fires Barrage of Ballistic Missiles During US–South Korea Military Drills
North Korea launched more than 10 ballistic missiles into the sea on March 14, escalating tensions in East Asia as the United States and South Korea carried out large-scale joint military exercises.
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By Aurax Radio — March 14, 2026
File Photo: North Korea launched more than 10 ballistic missiles into the sea on March 14 during U.S.–South Korea military exercises.
North Korea Launches Multiple Ballistic Missiles
North Korea fired more than ten ballistic missiles into waters off its eastern coast on Saturday, according to South Korea’s military, in a move that heightened regional tensions during ongoing joint exercises between the United States and South Korea. The missiles were launched from an area near Pyongyang around 1:20 p.m. local time and traveled toward the sea east of the Korean Peninsula.
Officials in Seoul said the launches appeared to be a show of force by Pyongyang in response to the annual allied military drills. Japan’s coast guard also detected possible missile activity but confirmed the projectiles landed outside the country’s exclusive economic zone and caused no damage.
Tensions Rise During Allied Military Exercises
The missile launches occurred during major joint military drills between the United States and South Korea, which both governments describe as defensive exercises designed to improve readiness against threats from the North. The drills involve large-scale operations including river-crossing maneuvers with tanks and armored vehicles. Around 28,500 U.S. troops are stationed in South Korea as part of the long-standing security alliance between the two countries.
North Korea has repeatedly condemned these exercises, calling them rehearsals for invasion and often responding with missile launches or military demonstrations. Pyongyang has pursued missile and nuclear weapons development for years despite international sanctions imposed by the United Nations since 2006.
U.S. and South Korean forces conduct large-scale joint military exercises aimed at maintaining readiness against threats from North Korea.
Diplomatic Efforts Continue
The missile launches come amid renewed diplomatic discussions about possible talks with North Korea. South Korean officials recently met with U.S. leaders in Washington to discuss potential ways to reopen dialogue with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. While past negotiations have stalled, Washington has expressed interest in resuming talks aimed at easing tensions and addressing Pyongyang’s nuclear program.
Despite those diplomatic signals, the latest launches underline the fragile security situation on the Korean Peninsula, where military exercises and weapons tests continue to fuel concerns about stability in the region.
Sources: Reuters, Deutsche Welle, NHK, South Korea Joint of Staff Statements