North Korea launched approximately ten ballistic missiles into waters off its eastern coast on Saturday, according to South Korea’s military, in a display of force that coincided with joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (South Korea) said the missiles were fired from an area near the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, though officials did not immediately specify the distance they traveled. Japan’s Ministry of Defense (Japan) reported that the projectiles landed in waters outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone.

Following the launches, South Korea’s military said it had intensified surveillance and remains on heightened alert for additional tests while continuing to coordinate intelligence with the United States and Japan.

The missile launches occurred as U.S. and South Korean forces carry out their annual large-scale spring exercises involving thousands of troops. The drills are intended to strengthen coordination between the allies but are routinely criticized by North Korea, which views them as a rehearsal for invasion.

The tests also come at a time of broader geopolitical strain, as the United States remains engaged in a widening conflict in the Middle East. The situation has prompted speculation in South Korean media that some U.S. missile defense assets stationed in the country could be redeployed to support operations against Iran.

Reports have suggested that interceptor missiles from the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery in Seongju may be moved to the Middle East. When asked about the possibility, the office of Lee Jae-myung said it could not confirm details of U.S. military deployments.

Officials added that any redeployment of American assets would not weaken the combined defense posture against nuclear-armed North Korea, emphasizing South Korea’s own conventional military capabilities and continued alliance coordination.