North Korea launched roughly 10 ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan, the Japan Ministry of Defence reported.
The launches occurred at 13:24 local time from the west coast of the country in a northeasterly direction. Radar stations of the Japan Self-Defense Forces detected the missiles immediately after launch.
Preliminary data indicate the missiles traveled about 340 kilometers at a maximum altitude of 80 kilometers.
The projectiles fell into the water outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone.
Japan’s Prime Minister ordered government agencies to focus on gathering and analyzing information and to maintain full readiness for any contingencies.
An anti-crisis headquarters at the Prime Minister’s Office has begun coordinating the response, including relevant ministries and emergency services.
Previously, on January 4, 2026, North Korea conducted its first missile tests of the year. A missile launched from the west coast of the country was detected by radar at 07:54, between 7 and 8 a.m. local time.
