North Korea: Military reportedly launches unspecified missile from submarine in Sea of Japan (East Sea) near Sinpo March 12

Event

North Korea fired an unspecified missile from a submarine located in the Sea of Japan (East Sea) near Sinpo on the morning of March 12, according to reports from the South Korean military released March 13. For its part, North Korea claimed to have test-fired two submarine-launched strategic cruise missiles March 12. No damage or casualties were reported in connection with the test.

Context

The March 12 missile launch came ahead of the planned start of joint US-South Korean military exercises, named "Freedom Shield," on March 13. Pyongyang has denounced the military drills as "preparations for a war of aggression" against its forces. Additional missile launches remain possible in the coming weeks.

Despite attempts at jumpstarting diplomacy, the geopolitical dynamics on the Korean Peninsula remain largely unaltered, as North Korea has previously stated that it will only give up its nuclear weapons in exchange for concrete moves to reduce perceived US threats against it. North Korean leaders have previously warned of stronger actions in response to US sanctions. However, both sides will likely avoid any actions that could escalate into a full-scale conflict.