North Korea Missile Launch: Update
Overview
On September 20, 2026, at around 3:00 p.m., North Korea launched at least one ballistic missile northeastward from near its east coast. The missile reached an estimated maximum altitude of about 60 km and traveled about 440 km. It is believed to have landed in the Sea of Japan, outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The government gathered and analyzed information, maintained alert surveillance, and lodged a stern protest with North Korea, strongly condemning the launch.
Key points
- North Korea launched at least one missile northeastward at around 3:00 p.m. today.
- The missile is estimated to have reached a maximum altitude of about 60 km and traveled about 440 km.
- The government instructed relevant agencies to gather and analyze information, maintain alert surveillance, and confirm safety.
- The government said the launch violated UN Security Council resolutions and posed a serious issue for public safety, and protested and condemned North Korea.
Overview
On September 20, 2026, at around 3:00 p.m., North Korea launched at least one ballistic missile northeastward from near its east coast. Japan, the United States, and South Korea are closely coordinating their analysis. The missile is estimated to have reached a maximum altitude of about 60 km and traveled about 440 km, landing in the Sea of Japan outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The government provided information to aircraft and vessels navigating nearby. No reports of damage or other such information have been confirmed at this time.
Impact
The government said that North Korea’s repeated launches and other actions threaten the peace and security of Japan, the region, and the international community.
The government characterized this launch as a violation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions and a serious issue concerning public safety, and lodged a stern protest with North Korea, strongly condemning it.
Details
The Prime Minister was briefed immediately and instructed officials to make every effort to gather and analyze information and provide it to the public promptly and accurately; thoroughly confirm the safety of aircraft, vessels, and other parties; and maintain a full state of readiness for unforeseen developments.
The government consolidated information from relevant ministries and agencies at the Prime Minister’s Office Crisis Management Center’s Office for North Korea Situation, convened the emergency response team, and discussed its response. Following the Prime Minister’s instructions, the Minister of Defense directed information gathering and analysis in coordination with the United States, South Korea, and others, as well as alert surveillance in preparation for unforeseen developments.
The government will continue gathering and analyzing information and maintaining alert surveillance in coordination with the United States, South Korea, and others, and will promptly announce any additional information that should be made public.