North Korean leader Kim Jong-un oversaw a critical weapons test organized by national defense science institutions on the 25th, the Korean Central News Agency reported on the 26th. A tactical ballistic missile is seen soaring from a coastal launch pad, emitting flames. [Yonhap News] 

Regarding criticisms that the military failed to announce North Korea’s "mixed" launch of tactical ballistic missiles and a new type of multiple rocket launcher on the 25th, the Ministry of National Defense clarified that it had "detected and tracked the launches in real time."

Ministry of National Defense Deputy Spokesperson Lee Gyeong-ho stated at a regular briefing on the 29th, "South Korea and the U.S. detected and tracked multiple projectiles launched by North Korea from 7:27 a.m. to 8:20 a.m. on June 25 in real time, and we coordinated closely to prepare for any contingencies."

He added, "The projectiles are tactical-level weapon systems operated by North Korea, and the specific technical details will be finalized based on a comprehensive joint analysis by South Korea and the U.S."

When asked why the military did not immediately announce the launch as it usually does, Deputy Spokesperson Lee replied, "We were in a situation where we were analyzing various data points before reaching a conclusion," adding, "While it is difficult to provide details on the detected specifications, not all cases are the same or similar."

He also stated, "I ask that you refrain from politically interpreting and disparaging the hard work of South Korean and U.S. service members who are dedicated to defending the Republic of Korea and ensuring the safety of our citizens."

On the 26th, North Korean state media revealed that the country had conducted test launches of tactical weapons capable of striking the South, including 155mm self-propelled artillery extended-range shells, an upgraded 240mm 24-tube multiple rocket launcher, and 'tactical ballistic missiles,' while leader Kim Jong-un looked on.

The tactical ballistic missile mentioned by the North is presumed to be the 'Hwasong-11-Ra' close-range ballistic missile (CRBM), and since the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) typically notifies the media when North Korea fires ballistic missiles, interest has focused on the reasons behind the lack of an announcement this time.

Rep. Sung Il-jong of the People Power Party, who chairs the National Assembly National Defense Committee, criticized the situation in a Facebook post, stating, "A serious security vacuum has occurred."

It is reported that North Korea showed an unusual pattern during this tactical ballistic missile launch, such as reducing the range to less than half of the typical operating distance (approximately 110 km) of the Hwasong-11-Ra. In this regard, it is understood that the authorities needed additional time to analyze the specific technical details.

Some analysts suggest that by 'mixing' these tactical ballistic missiles—which had their range significantly reduced—with other anti-South weapons like multiple rocket launchers, North Korea may have intended to disrupt the South Korea-U.S. detection system.