A rare ballistic missile test by North Korea on June 26 failed, exploding mid-air after traveling 155 miles. Tensions rose following a U.S. aircraft carrier’s deployment for a military drill with South Korea and Japan.
North Korea’s Ballistic Missile Test Fails Amid Regional Tensions
SEOUL, South Korea – On Wednesday, June 26, North Korea conducted a rare ballistic missile test that ended in failure, according to South Korea’s military. The missile, fired from the capital region around 5:30 a.m. local time, exploded mid-air after what was suspected to be a combustion issue, traveling approximately 155 miles before breaking up.
The incident occurred amid rising tensions due to the recent deployment of a U.S. aircraft carrier in the region for a trilateral military drill with South Korea and Japan. North Korea’s Vice Defence Minister Kim Kang Il had earlier condemned this deployment as “reckless” and “dangerous.”
Additionally, South Korea faced disruptions at Incheon International Airport hours before the missile launch, as North Korea continued sending balloons carrying trash across the border—a tactic observed since late May.
South Korea and U.S. intelligence agencies are investigating the failed missile launch, which Japanese officials also detected. The missile fragments landed outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone, and no immediate damages were reported.
The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command reaffirmed its commitment to defending South Korea and Japan following the incident.
