2021–2023 North Korean missile tests

[5] On 11–12 September 2021, North Korea carried out tests of a new long-range cruise missile, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

The missiles flew for 1,500 kilometres and successfully hit their target in North Korea's waters, and were meant for a "strategic role" according to the news agency, which analyst Ankit Panda stated was a common euphemism for a missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

It was launched a day after South Korea and the United States ended their joint military drills.

The test came as the US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and its strike group arrived in South Korea for joint military exercises.

[28] On 4 October 2022, North Korea launched a missile that flew over and past Japan, prompting Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida to release an announcement warning citizens to take shelter and other precautionary measures.

[33] On 12 October 2022, North Korea fired two long-range cruise missiles, each of which travelled 2,000 kilometres (1,200 mi), and were reported to have hit their targets.

[37][38] On 3 November 2022, North Korea reportedly fired three ballistic missile off its east coast, one long-range and two short-range, including one that flew near Japan after failure.

The launch triggered the Japanese emergency broadcast system, which warned residents in the prefectures of Miyagi, Yamagata, and Niigata to stay indoors.

[43] On 18 November 2022, North Korea reportedly fired at least one ballistic missile into the sea on Friday, believed to be the first successful full flight of its Hwasong-17.

[52][53][54] On 24 February, North Korea fired four Hwasal-2 strategic cruise missiles off the east coast of the Korean Peninsula.

North Korean state media released photos of Kim attending tests alongside his daughter.

In Japan, residents of Hokkaido were told to seek immediate shelter, this follows statements by Kim Jong Un where he called for "more practical and offensive" capabilities.

[63] On 13 July, North Korea tested its latest Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) saying the weapon is the core of its nuclear strike force and a warning to the United States and other adversaries.

[64] On 19 November 2023, ROK Defense Minister Shin Won-sik informed the Korean Broadcasting System that an anticipated third satellite launch by North Korea was expected by the end of that month.

[65] On the evening of 21 November 2023, North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) that a Chollima-1 rocket carrying a Malligyong-1 reconnaissance satellite was launched from the Sohae Satellite Launching Station, with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un present.

The launch came a week after South Korean and US defence officials met to update plans on how to respond to a nuclear attack from the North.