North Korea tests tactical ballistic missile to upgrade key component

North Korea has conducted a test launch of a tactical ballistic missile to verify modernization of a key component, state media KCNA announced.

• KCNA reported the missile administration conducted the October 12 test launch to confirm technical modernization of an important key element.
• South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff detected multiple ballistic missile launches from the Pyongyang area toward the East Sea, one with a range exceeding 900 kilometers.
• Yonhap reported Monday's launches were North Korea's 16th ballistic missile launch this year, nine days after its October 3 launch.
• The tests followed South Korea's first successful test launch of a domestically built hypersonic glide vehicle, attended by President Lee Jae-myung.