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, according to remarks from the Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea and the Japanese military. The missile launch came after North Korea issued a string of strongly worded complaints about US military operations, including accusations of airspace violations by American spy planes in its economic zones and condemnation of a visit by a US nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine to South Korea.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023

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. North Korea also attempted but failed to launch its first spy satellite using a new launch vehicle. It is worth noting that UN Security Council resolutions expressly forbid North Korea from using 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 festival commemorates North Korea’s declaration of victory over the United States, South Korea, and their ally forces during the Korean War (1950-1953).
• 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 self-guided strategic-weapons system powered by a rocket that follows a ballistic trajectory to deliver a payload from its launch location to a predefined target.
• A ballistic trajectory is the path of an unpowered item, such as a missile, that moves only due to gravity and potentially atmospheric friction, with no significant lift to modify 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

• The voluntary Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), established in April 1987, attempts to control the proliferation of ballistic missiles and other unmanned delivery systems that could be used for chemical, biological, and nuclear strikes. India has joined the MTCR.

Some of India’s Ballistic Missiles:

• Agni P Missile
• Shaurya Missile
• Prithvi Missile
• Dhanush Missile
• Sagarika Missile etc.