---
title: "North Korea Reportedly Fires Suspected Ballistic Missile, Second Test This Week"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/north-korea-missile-test-second-launch-week-ibixe
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Politics
published: 2026-08-12T04:22:18.656Z
modified: 2026-08-12T06:45:12.033Z
language: en-IN
---

# North Korea Reportedly Fires Suspected Ballistic Missile, Second Test This Week

Japan's Defense Ministry reports North Korea launched a suspected ballistic missile on Wednesday, marking the second such weapons test in under a week. The projectile reportedly landed in the sea. This event follows recent announcements of joint U.S.-South Korea military drills.

## Key takeaways

- North Korea is reported to have launched a suspected ballistic missile on Wednesday.
- This marks the second weapons test of this nature by North Korea in less than a week.
- The missile reportedly fell into the sea, according to Japan's Defense Ministry.
- The launch comes shortly after the announcement of joint U.S.-South Korea military exercises.
- North Korea has previously responded to these joint drills with weapons tests.

Japan's Ministry of Defense stated on Wednesday that North Korea likely launched a ballistic missile. This incident represents the second weapons test of its kind within a seven-day period, with the missile reportedly falling into the sea.

South Korea's Yonhap news agency, citing the South Korean military, reported that North Korea launched an unidentified projectile off its eastern coast. This reported launch occurred two days after South Korea and the United States announced their intention to commence their annual large-scale military exercises the following week.

These upcoming drills, named "Ulchi Freedom Shield," are intended to enhance readiness in the face of threats from North Korea. Pyongyang views these exercises as preparatory actions for an invasion and has historically responded to significant South Korea-U.S. military drills with weapons tests and strong rhetoric.

Last week, South Korea, the U.S., and Japan had already recorded North Korea's launch of a short-range ballistic missile. This prior event was noted as the country's first known test of ballistic weapons since the end of June. North Korea has not officially confirmed the recent launch, although it typically releases details of weapons tests a day after they occur.

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/north-korea-missile-test-second-launch-week-ibixe
Reported from: Multiple Sources