North Korea Launches Unspecified Ballistic Missile off East Coast

Why Unspecified Ballistic Missile in news?

North Korea has launched an unidentified ballistic missile off its eastern coast, as confirmed by statements from South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff and Japan’s military. The missile launch followed a series of strongly worded grievances from North Korea regarding US military operations, including accusations of airspace violations by American spy planes in its economic zones and condemnation of the visit of a US nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine to South Korea.

In recent developments, North Korea successfully test-fired its inaugural solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) this year, marking a significant advancement in its missile capabilities. Additionally, North Korea made an unsuccessful attempt to launch its first spy satellite using a new launch vehicle. It is important to note that the United Nations Security Council resolutions explicitly prohibit North Korea from employing ballistic missile technology, including for satellite launches. As a consequence of its missile and nuclear weapons programs, North Korea has faced sanctions imposed by the Security Council and several nations.

Overview of the News

According to analysts, satellite images from commercial sources indicate that North Korea is preparing to showcase its military might, including a significant parade, during an upcoming holiday on July 27. This holiday commemorates North Korea’s assertion of victory in the Korean War (1950-1953) against the United States, South Korea, and their allied forces.
The relationship between the two Koreas is currently experiencing a period of extreme tension, with diplomatic efforts stalled following unsuccessful attempts in recent years to engage in discussions regarding Pyongyang’s denuclearization.

Ballistic Missile

It is a rocket-propelled self-guided strategic-weapons system that follows a ballistic trajectory to deliver a payload from its launch site to a predetermined target.
Ballistic trajectory is the path of an unpowered object, as a missile, moving only under the influence of gravity and possibly atmospheric friction and with its surface providing no significant lift to alter the course of flight.
It can carry conventional high explosives as well as chemical, biological, or nuclear munitions.
The International Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (ICOC), now known as the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCOC), is a political initiative aimed at globally curbing ballistic missile proliferation.

India is a signatory to this convention

Established in April 1987, the voluntary Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) aims to limit the spread of ballistic missiles and other unmanned delivery systems that could be used for chemical, biological, and nuclear attacks.
India has joined the MTCR.

Some of India’s Ballistic Missiles: