North Korea launches short-range ballistic missile toward sea, South Korea says

North Korea conducted a short-range ballistic missile test, detected by South Korea's military around 5 p.m. local time (0900 GMT) on Thursday, August 6, 2026. Japan's Defense Ministry also confirmed the launch, stating there was no impact in or around Japan. This marks the latest in a series of weapons tests by North Korea this year, occurring days before planned joint military drills between the U.S. and South Korea.