North Korea announced that it conducted a test-launch of tactical ballistic missiles yesterday (October 12).

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported this, stating that the Missile General Bureau conducted a test to confirm the technical renewal of key essential components.

The news agency claimed, "The test is part of the regular activities of the Missile General Bureau and its affiliated research institutes to upgrade the technology of weapon systems."

It added, "The Missile General Bureau announced that the technical renewal of key components confirmed today represents a major achievement that foretells significant changes in improving the performance and sophistication of all offensive weapon systems."

Earlier, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) detected the launch of several ballistic missiles from the Pyongyang area into the DONGHAE yesterday morning.

North Korea's ballistic missile launch came four days after the South Korean government made a surprise disclosure on October 4 of its first test-launch of a domestic hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV), and was interpreted as a show of force.

A JCS official said, "Based on the results analyzed so far (Hyunjae), it is assessed that North Korea launched several ballistic missiles of different types, and one type flew more than 900 kilometers."

The Rodong Sinmun, read by North Korean residents, did not carry reports on this drill, and it was reported only by the KCNA, which is aimed at external audiences.