North Korean Missile Launch Update
Overview
At around 6:36 a.m. on October 3, North Korea launched at least one ballistic missile northeastward from near its east coast. The government assessed that it fell outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the Sea of Japan and provided information to aircraft and vessels operating nearby; no damage reports had been confirmed at that time. Following the Prime Minister’s instructions, relevant ministries discussed the response, and the Minister of Defense ordered information gathering and analysis, as well as warning and surveillance. The government said the launch violated UN Security Council resolutions and posed a serious concern for public safety, and lodged a protest with and strongly condemned North Korea. It will continue gathering information and conducting warning and surveillance, and will announce further information promptly.
Key points
- At around 6:36 a.m., North Korea launched at least one missile, and Japan, the United States, and South Korea are analyzing the details.
- The government said the launch violated UN Security Council resolutions and posed a serious concern for public safety, and lodged a strong protest with and strongly condemned North Korea.
- The government will continue gathering and analyzing information and conducting warning and surveillance, and plans to announce further information promptly.
Overview
The missile was launched northeastward from near North Korea’s east coast. It reached a maximum altitude of around 90 km and flew about 680 km, and was assessed to have fallen outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the Sea of Japan.
Impact
The government said that North Korea’s series of actions threatens the peace and security of Japan, the region, and the international community.
At the time information was provided to aircraft and vessels operating nearby, no damage reports had been confirmed.
Details
The Prime Minister instructed officials to gather and analyze information, provide the public with prompt and accurate updates, confirm the safety of aircraft and vessels, and maintain readiness for unforeseen circumstances. The North Korea Situation Response Office at the Cabinet Crisis Management Center consolidated information from relevant ministries and convened the emergency response team to discuss the response.
In response to the Prime Minister’s instructions, the Minister of Defense ordered thorough information gathering and analysis in coordination with the United States, South Korea, and others, as well as warning and surveillance. The government said it would make every effort to gather and analyze information and conduct warning and surveillance in coordination with the United States, South Korea, and others to protect the lives and property of the public, and would promptly announce any further information it obtained that should be made public.